Angler Jeremy Wade wrestled the 5ft-long goliath tigerfish during a fishing expedition along the Congo River in Africa.
The tigerfish - believed to be a deadlier version of the piranha - has 32 teeth that are a similar size to those of a great white shark and has been known to attack humans and even crocodiles.
Mr Wade reeled in the 45kg beast as part of aTV show about mythical reports from around the world of humans being attacked by unknown monsters from the deep.
“'It is very rare to catch one, especially by an outsider because they are found in such a remote and difficult location to get to,” Mr Wade said on the show River Monsters.
“There are no guides or lodges on that part of the Congo River.”
Mr Wade said he used catfish as bait for the tigerfish and a 91kg rod and line.
He said he feared handling the monster fish and had to stand back from it until it was safely in his landing net.
“It is a very dangerous fish to handle. If you aren't careful it could easily take your finger off or worse,” he said.
After carefully avoiding the creature’s razor-sharp teeth while posing for photos, Mr Wade said he returned it to the river soon afterwards.
