G.I. Joe Tiger Fish (1989)

 

Overview

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The Tiger Fish was released in 1989 as part of Tiger Force, the G.I. Joe team's special operations sub-team. It is a repaint of the popular 1986 Devilfish High-Speed Attack Craft, featuring the signature Tiger Force yellow, orange, and black tiger-stripe camouflage. Unlike the original Devilfish, the Tiger Fish did not include a driver, allowing collectors to assign any Tiger Force or G.I. Joe figure as its pilot. It was one of the final Tiger Force vehicles released during the original A Real American Hero line.

 

Key Features

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1. Tiger Force Exclusive

The Tiger Fish was released exclusively as part of the Tiger Force vehicle assortment, joining vehicles such as:

• Tiger Fly

• Tiger Rat

• Tiger Cat

• Tiger Shark

• Tiger Paw

• Tiger Sting

Like the rest of the team, it features the distinctive yellow-and-black tiger-stripe paint scheme.

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2. Based on the Devilfish

The Tiger Fish uses the same mold as the 1986 Devilfish, retaining all of its play features, including:

• Twin pontoons

• Twin rear propellers

• Opening engine compartment

• Rotating machine guns

• Detailed driver's position

Its compact size makes it ideal for river patrols, coastal missions, and amphibious assaults.

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3. High-Speed Watercraft

Designed for rapid-response missions, the Tiger Fish excels at:

• coastal reconnaissance

• river patrol

• amphibious landings

• special operations

• search-and-rescue support

Its lightweight hull allows it to travel at high speed across shallow water.

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4. Heavy Armament

Despite its compact size, the Tiger Fish is equipped with:

• twin rotating machine guns

• side-mounted missile launchers

• dual rear propulsion units

This gives it enough firepower to challenge Cobra watercraft during hit-and-run missions.

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5. No Included Driver

Unlike many G.I. Joe vehicles, the Tiger Fish was packaged without an action figure.

Collectors often pair it with:

• Recondo (Tiger Force)

• Duke (Tiger Force)

• Flint (Tiger Force)

• Hit & Run

• Wet-Suit

for display or play.

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Fun Facts

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Final Tiger Force Watercraft

The Tiger Fish was the only Tiger Force repaint of the Devilfish and became the team's signature high-speed assault boat.

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One of the Last Tiger Force Vehicles

Released in 1989, the Tiger Fish was among the final additions to the original Tiger Force lineup before the vintage series shifted toward new themes and sub-teams.

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Same Great Play Features

The Tiger Fish retained all the functionality of the original Devilfish, making it one of the fastest and most playable boats in the vintage G.I. Joe line.

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Striking Tiger Camouflage

Its bright yellow body with bold black tiger stripes makes it one of the most recognizable Tiger Force vehicles ever produced and a standout display piece.

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Popular Among Variant Collectors

Collectors often seek to complete the full Tiger Force vehicle lineup, making the Tiger Fish a key addition thanks to its unique repaint and relatively limited production.

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Value Drivers

The biggest factors affecting collector value are:

• Complete missile launchers

• Both rear propellers intact

• Rotating machine guns present

• Original Tiger Force decals

• Bright yellow plastic with minimal fading

• Instruction sheet included

• Original box and inserts

Because the propellers, missiles, and small weapon accessories are often lost, 100% complete Tiger Fish examples command a significant premium.

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Why Collectors Love It

The Tiger Fish remains one of the most popular Tiger Force vehicles because it offers:

• the proven Devilfish mold

• an exclusive Tiger Force camouflage scheme

• excellent speed and playability

• compact size for display and dioramas

• an essential addition to a complete Tiger Force collection

More than 35 years after its release, the Tiger Fish continues to be a favorite among vintage G.I. Joe collectors. Its combination of the agile Devilfish design, vibrant Tiger Force colors, and limited 1989 release makes it one of the standout watercraft in the A Real American Hero line.