Tigerfish Vittatus

The Vittatus Tigerfish is second to the top of the food chain in West Africa. This is a monster fish related to the piranha but a lot bigger. In this case second place means a big deal since these fish are eaten by Goliath tigerfish in the wild. With that exception, all other species are its prey. Tigerfish need live food such as feeder guppies and feeder goldfish and they are fast. This predator fish can jump, so some type of screen or cover is needed. Also, the tigerfish is a solitary predator in the aquarium; two cannot be kept together unless the aquarium is enormous.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Gars are fast, long-bodied predators. Give them open swimming space, strong filtration and a heavy, tight lid.

Feeding: Feed meaty foods like frozen fish and shrimp. Some can be trained to take carnivore pellets. Avoid feeding only feeder goldfish, which can carry disease.

Tankmates: They will eat any fish that fits in their mouth. Keep them only with large, robust fish.

Good to know: Tigerfish are fast, powerful swimmers related to piranhas and tetras.