World Record Size ‘Piranha’ Photographs

Outline:
Email forward with photographs of a large fish with a mouth full of long, sharp teeth, claims that the fish is a world record sized piranha.



Brief Analysis:
Genuine photographs – False Description

Detailed Analysis:
According to the subject line and description that comes with these images, the fish shown in the photographs is a world record sized piranha.

There is no disputing that the fish is a large one, and, with a mouthful of sharp teeth, a ferocious looking one at that! However, the fish is not a piranha. In fact it is a Giant Tigerfish (aka Goliath Tigerfish, African Tigerfish). Tigerfish and piranha belong to the same family (Characidae) but are entirely different species. Piranha can grow to a maximum length of 60 cm, but most are smaller.

The natural habitat of the Giant Tigerfish is the rivers and streams of Africa. Although the fish shown in the photographs is a large example of its species, Giant Tigerfish are known to grow to enormous sizes and are considered by fishermen around the world as one of the top game fish.

The exact location where the shots were taken and the identity of the fishermen is currently unclear.

First published: 31st October 2007
By Brett M. Christensen
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References
Giant tigerfish
Goliath Tigerfish