Hydrocynus

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Hydrocynus is a group of African tigerfish in the Alestidae family. They are large, fierce freshwater predators found across Africa. The name comes from Greek and means “water dog.” There are five species, and all are commonly called African tigerfish because of their aggressive behavior and sharp teeth. Most Hydrocynus eat other fish, but Hydrocynus vittatus has been observed catching birds in flight.

The genus was first named by Georges Cuvier in 1816. The oldest Hydrocynus fossils come from the Late Paleocene to Early Eocene in North Africa, with later finds across the continent. The modern species began to diverge during the Miocene to Pliocene.

Five valid species:
- Hydrocynus goliath
- Hydrocynus brevis
- Hydrocynus forskahlii
- Hydrocynus tanzaniae
- Hydrocynus vittatus

Tigerfish are important for sport fishing and tourism in Africa and also play a significant role in commercial freshwater catches.