Vulpinus Tetra
The vulpinus tetra is the bigger, scarier cousin of the payara vampire tetra. This species of saber-tooth tetra gets twice the weight of Hydrolycus payara and even bigger fangs. In all other respects, the vulpinus has the same temperament and requirements as the payara.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Rhaphiodon vulpinus |
|---|---|
| Origin | Amazon, Orinoco and Paraná basins |
| Care Level | Difficult |
| Temperament | Predatory; eats smaller fish |
| Adult Size | Up to 30 cm |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years |
| Diet | Varies; omnivorous, prefers live or frozen foods |
FAQ
What is the difference between vulpinus tetra and payara vampire tetra?
The vulpinus tetra is larger and has significantly bigger fangs than the payara vampire tetra. It also weighs twice as much. Otherwise, their care and behavior are similar.
Is the vulpinus tetra suitable for beginner aquarium keepers?
No, the vulpinus tetra has a difficult care level and is predatory, making it unsuitable for beginners.
What kind of diet does the vulpinus tetra require?
The vulpinus tetra is omnivorous and prefers live or frozen foods. A varied diet is recommended to maintain health.
Jason Clark –
I bought this tetra for my 150-liter tank and it’s been thriving for over a year. It’s quite active and eats a lot of frozen foods. I had to remove a few smaller fish to avoid predation. The size is impressive and it looks very striking in the tank.
Bella Ogden –
The fish arrived healthy and matches the description. It’s more aggressive than the payara, so I made sure to keep it with larger, non-susceptible species. Feeding it live food keeps it active and healthy.
Yvonne Davidson –
It’s a bold choice. The fish is large and needs a spacious tank. I’m not sure if it’s right for my setup, but it’s definitely not for beginners. I’ve had to adjust my fish selection to avoid being eaten.