Goliath tigerfish

The Goliath tigerfish certainly lives up to its name. It is the largest member of the tigerfish clan, a genus of fierce predators with protruding, daggerlike teeth. The largest ever caught measured 1.5 m and 70 kg. Locals say it is the only fish that has no fear of the crocodile and will even chomp down the smaller ones. It's also been known to attack humans in rare instances, though it’s unlikely that tigerfish target humans specifically. Special organs help it detect small vibrations and its eyesight is particularly keen. The tigerfish could have mistaken human jewellery or accessories for the flash and splash of smaller fish.

The Goliath tigerfish has a mouthful of 32 jagged, razorlike teeth, which are said to be as long and sharp as those of the great white shark’s. Unlike the fleshy-lipped South American piranha, the tigerfish has teeth set right at jaw’s edge. These can literally slice prey in half, with one clean, surgical cut.

Powerful jaws, combined with lightning reflexes and a muscular physique make the Goliath the lethal hunting machine it is. It prefers turbulent waters, where it targets fish that are less powerful swimmers. In their struggle against the current, these unlucky fish are left vulnerable to the Goliath’s circling and brutal attack.