The Hydrocynus forskahlii, also known as the elongate tigerfish, is a predatory freshwater fish found in various African river systems. It’s a member of the Alestidae family. African Forskahlii Tiger Fish Hydrocynus Forskahlii – Sims … African forskahlii tiger fish for sale – Exotic Fish Shop … Hydrocynus hi-res stock photography and images – Alamy African Tiger Fish (Hydrocynus cf. vittatus) – Aqua Imports My Goliath African Tiger Fish : r/Aquariums Key Features: Appearance: This species is characterized by a streamlined body, often with a silvery or metallic sheen and dark, vertical stripes that resemble a tiger’s pattern. They have a prominent dorsal fin, which can have a reddish hue. H. forskahlii is a slenderer species than others in the Hydrocynus genus, with the body depth averaging 22.6% of its length and the head averaging around 20% of the body length. They also have very sharp teeth. Unlike its cousin, H. vittatus, which has a full red tail, the H. forskahlii has only the bottom half of the tail with red coloration. Habitat and Distribution: They are found in central Africa, including Lake Albert, Lake Turkana, Lake Gandjule, the Congo River, Omo River, and the Nile. In West Africa, they inhabit the Chad Basin, Niger River, Benue River, and others. They are a pelagic, potamodromous species, meaning they live in open water and migrate for breeding, preferring well-oxygenated surface waters. They are also found in some coastal river basins. Diet: H. forskahlii are predatory fish that primarily feed on other fish and occasionally insects. Smaller tigerfish may hunt in schools, while larger ones are solitary hunters. Size: They typically reach a maximum size of 13-15 inches, making them more manageable for home aquariums compared to some other tigerfish species. While normally less than 30 cm in length, some can grow up to 45 cm and weigh around 2.3 kg. The largest reported weight for this species is 15.5 kg. Behavior: Known for their aggressive behavior and swift movements, they are skilled hunters. They are popular sport fish due to their strength and agility. Conservation Status: The IUCN Red List status of Hydrocynus forskahlii is Least Concern (LC). Aquarium Keeping: If kept in an aquarium, a spacious tank with hiding spots and ample swimming space is essential. Care must be taken when selecting tankmates due to their predatory nature.