Aquarium species profile

African Tiger Fish

Hydrocynus vittatus · Africa (Congo River, Lake Tanganyika tributaries)

Minimum tank200 gal

Adult size24"

Care levelDifficult

TemperamentHighly Aggressive

Temperature73–82°F

pH range6.5–7.8

Diet

Carnivore – large feeder fish, large chunks of fresh fish, prawns

Compatible tank mates

Best kept alone or with equally large robust fish

Tank mates to avoid

Any fish small enough to eat, peaceful community fish

Care notes

One of Africa's apex freshwater predators. Extremely fast, powerful, and aggressive. Massive interlocking teeth. Rarely recommended for home aquariums but kept by advanced hobbyists. Requires very high water flow and pristine water quality.

Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.

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