Hydrocynus tanzaniae
Hydrocynus tanzaniae | |
---|---|
Young H. tanzaniae specimen roughly 5 in (13 cm) in length | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Characiformes |
Family: | Alestidae |
Genus: | Hydrocynus |
Species: | H. tanzaniae |
Binomial name | |
Hydrocynus tanzaniae Bernice Brewster, 1986 | |
Hydrocynus tanzaniae is a large African predatory freshwater fish.
Distribution
The eastward flowing rivers of Tanzania and in the Ruaha and Rufiji river systems.[1]
Description
Hydrocynus tanzaniae, the blue tigerfish, is a large, predatory fish. It has pronounced dentition similar to those found in Hydrocynus forskahlii.[1] The holotype was nine and a half inches long (247mm),[1] but specimens have been caught by fishermen greater than 27 inches (70 cm) and 25 pounds (11 kg).[2] At a given length, H. tanzaniae has a deeper body than either H. forskahlii or H. vittatus.[3] These fish are a silvery grey color[2] and often have pronounced stripes.[1][2] They often have markings in blue, black, pink, green and red,[2] making them among the more colorful of African tiger fish. Uniquely among the African tiger fish, they have a blue adipose fin[2] (other species have a black adipose fin).
References
External links
- http://www.eversostrange.com/2011/01/27/goliath-tigerfish/
- http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/explorer/3826/Overview
- Phillipson, David W. 1985. Mosi-oa-Tunya A Handbook to the Victoria Falls Region Long man Zimbabwe ISBN 0-0546-8657
- "Mystical goliath tiger fish caught on camera". 21 October 2010.