Hydrocynus is a genus of large characin fish in the family Alestidae commonly called "tigerfish," endemic to the African continent. The genus name is derived from Ancient Greek ὕδωρ ("water") + κύων ("dog"). (In fact, this fish is popularly referred to as poisson chien (dog fish) in French-speaking West Africa.) The genus contains five species, all popularly known as "African Tigerfish" for their fierce predatory behavior and other characteristics that make them excellent game fish. The Hydrocynus is the only freshwater fish proven to prey on birds in flight.