Tigerfish
Hydrocynus vittatus
Also known as: Ndweshi, Tiger Fish
Razor-toothed river predator that hunts in packs and outgrows almost any tank.
About
Tiger fish (Hydrocynus vittatus) is one of the most formidable freshwater predators on the planet, and its reputation in the wild fully justifies the awe it inspires. Native to a broad sweep of West and Central African river systems, including the Niger, Senegal, Chad basin, Volta, and Mono rivers, this species inhabits large, well-oxygenated rivers and lakes where it roams in schools of similarly sized individuals, coordinating to overwhelm prey. The body is built for speed: torpedo-shaped, heavily muscled, and equipped with a set of interlocking, dagger-like teeth that remain visible even when the mouth is closed. Juveniles begin life eating insects and invertebrates, but once they pass roughly 90-100 mm they shift to an almost exclusively fish-based diet, targeting whatever prey species are most available. In the aquarium, anything smaller than the tiger fish itself is at serious risk of being attacked without warning. Keeping it with similarly sized companions of the same species is the only realistic community arrangement. It has been bred in captivity on rare occasions, though detailed accounts are scarce. Despite showing up more frequently in the trade as juveniles, this species grows to well over three feet and demands a tank of truly extraordinary size. It is a fish best admired in public aquaria rather than home setups.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Tigerfish
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Tigerfish get?
- The Tigerfish reaches about 28–35" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Tigerfish need?
- A minimum of 634 gallons is recommended for the Tigerfish, with more room needed for a proper group.
- What water parameters does the Tigerfish need?
- The Tigerfish does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 6.5–8, hardness around 5–25 dGH.
- Is the Tigerfish aggressive?
- The Tigerfish is aggressive and is best kept alone or with robust tankmates that can hold their own.
- What does the Tigerfish eat?
- The Tigerfish is a carnivore. It needs a meaty, protein-rich diet of frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Tigerfish live?
- With good care, the Tigerfish typically lives 5-8 years.