Congo - the deepest river in the world, second in the world (after the Amazon) by affluent and length of about 4,700 km.The only water channel that crosses the equator twice, in its rich basin has a large number of representatives of various African flora and fauna: more than 20 species of small fish and some 875 major varieties.Giant lizards, large crocodiles, small turtles and snakes - not a complete list of the inhabitants of such a luxury reserve.About 250 species of them are rare and most are simply unknown to science.
Congo - the river, sheltered monster
Due to strong currents of the Congo River is a sort of an evolutionary cauldron, contributing to the isolation of fish in some of its sectors.This is due to the impotence of the past before the power flow.This forced isolation contributes to the emergence of a large number of unusual wildlife.The only individual, comfortable feel furious game flow - a goliath tiger fish, a water monster, the fearsome and awe.The river flow itself carries her into the jaws of potential victims, unable to resist the force of water.
received his nickname for the giant fish size which is famous for the great warrior Goliath, who had a growth of 2 m 89 cm. A "tiger" it is known the location of the horizontal dark stripes on the sides of the torso.For the first time a large goliath tiger fish was described in 1861.African inhabitant is most often found in Lake Tanganyika and in the rivers of the Congo, Nile, Senegal, Omo.Large rivers and large lakes - the most comfortable environment for the habitat of the giant river.It can hold gregarious with individuals of their own species or predators like himself.Males are an order of magnitude larger than females.
Goliath: a description of the predator
Tiger fish goliath with a strong elongated torso, covered with large silvery scales, and small pointy fins (red or bright orange) has all the qualities inherent in the very predator:
- length - up to 2 meters.
- Weight - 50 kg or more.
- Lifespan: 12 - 15 years.
- very large head with a big mouth.
- 32 teeth, sharpened like a razor, they lack the goliath tiger fish and breaks the victim, not even chewing it.During his life on the spot outliers grow new teeth.
- excellent hearing, and the ability to feel the production of low-frequency vibrations.
- ability to move easily in turbulent waters.
Goliath Tiger Fish: the powered
In the natural environment fish is omnivorous, the principal food is fish and small mammals, although plant foods and detritus are also included in the diet of a river monster that of his vampirism can compete with Amazon piranha.In times of hunger attacks Goliath is able to attack a person, and sometimes does not disdain and crocodiles, in the nature of these cases have been reported.
In nature, the female goliath tiger fish spawn only a few days during the rainy season (December - January).Migrating from major rivers in small tributaries, the females lay large number of eggs among the thick vegetation in the shallow areas.For hatched fry the initial period of the life of more than comfortable, it's shallow water, warm water and plenty of fodder.Over time, the grown species shall in large rivers.
hunt monsters - a matter of honor
Tiger fish goliath - one of the worst of freshwater fish in the world, so in Africa fishing it is extremely popular among the local population, it can be compared with a successful hunt in the forest for a bear.For each such fishing angler - a real adventure that turns dangerous predator in the unfortunate victim and the coveted prey, followed by the banks of the Congo River to hunt the fishermen come from all over the world.
Goliath Tiger Fish - the most terrible of freshwater fish in the world, so catch this giant is quite difficult, as their sharp teeth, he is able to bite the line of any thickness.Knowledgeable anglers use special leashes, which are made of very strong steel.Only in this way it is possible to extract a giant of its habitat and to meet him on land.
catch such gigantic specimen failed Jeremy Wade - an expert in freshwater fish and host of "River Monsters" to fish from an early age.During his 52 years old, having visited different parts of the globe, he always brought out unusual representatives of the river fauna.
more than a week Hunter plied remote places of the river, for which he was rewarded with a welcome catch.Giant 70 kg and a length of 1.5 meters still fell into his hands.Photo goliath tiger fish, where it is in the hands of Jeremy, is admired by experienced and fearlessness of a brave man.
