10 hours ago
Brit catches terrifying rare Congo fish - and it's known to attack crocodiles
A British angler secured a monster looking catch of a species that has been known to attack crocodiles
A British angler thought he had bitten off more than he could chew after catching a terrifying looking fish from the Congo River.
Gary Newman, 48, made sure he was extra careful when lifting the monster catch — a prehistoric looking Goliath Tigerfish known for its razor-sharp teeth. The species are Africa's version of the piranha, only much bigger and deadlier.
They have 32 teeth that are of similar size to those of a great white shark and the predatorial fish have been known to eat small crocodiles. The fish's scientific name is Hydrocynus goliath and it is also known as an mbenga in the local Swahili language. The goliath tigerfish is one of many fishes that plays an important role in the diet and economy of African countries.
Gary, from Chesham, Bucks, was on a fishing expedition in the River Congo, in Africa, when he reeled in the 74lbs predator. He used a dead bulldog fish as bait for the tigerfish.
Gary said: "I let my float go beside the boat and the bait had only been in the water for a minute when it shot under. The fish took off very fast, as goliaths tend to do, and from the weight when I struck, and the fact it didn't jump, I knew it was a big fish.
"It gave me a few hairy moments. After a fight of around five minutes I finally had the fish beaten and it slowly started to come up to the surface.
"It quickly became apparent why it felt so heavy as it was a very big fish, which thankfully went in the net first time. We were close to the bank so we quickly took it there to weigh it at 74lb and take a few quick photos.
"They are a very delicate species despite their fearsome looks."
After weighing the catch and taking the obligatory photos of him holding it aloft, Gary returned it back into the water safe and well.
The fish is found in the Congo River Basin and was first discovered by Europeans in 1898 when French explorer Boulenger reported the terrifying looking creature.
A spokesperson for the tour guide company Boroma Fishing Boroma Fishing & Mbenga Congo, described the fish as a once in a lifetime catch.
They said: "Massive congratulations to Gary Newman on landing an exceptional goliath tigerfish — a 74lb beast out of the mighty Congo. Outstanding job!"
