VAMPIRE TETRAS (HUAPETAS/PAYARA)

Vampire Tetra (Hydrolycus scomberoides) – The Legendary Fanged Predator of the Amazon

The Vampire Tetra, also known as Payara or Huapeta, is one of the most iconic and extreme predatory fish in the freshwater world. With its elongated silver body, powerful build, and unmistakable 3-inch fang-like lower jaw teeth, this Amazonian monster is the ultimate showpiece for serious predator fish keepers.

Native to the fast-flowing rivers of South America, the Vampire Tetra is a high-speed ambush predator built for power and performance. It commands attention in any aquarium and thrives in large, well-oxygenated tanks with heavy flow and space to roam.

🐟 Species Profile:

• Scientific Name: Hydrolycus scomberoides

• Common Names: Vampire Tetra, Payara, Huapeta, Sabre-Toothed Characin

• Adult Size: 12–24+ inches in captivity (can grow even larger in the wild)

• Temperament: Aggressive, predatory

• Tank Size: 250+ gallons with strong flow

• Water Parameters: 76–82°F | pH 6.0–7.5 | Soft, oxygen-rich water

• Diet: Carnivore – prefers live or frozen fish, silversides, shrimp, and eventually frozen foods like whitefish or tilapia

🛠️ Tank Setup & Compatibility:

Vampire Tetras require:

• Long, wide aquariums or indoor ponds with space to accelerate and hunt

• Strong current to simulate natural river flow (powerheads recommended)

• Pristine water conditions and oversized filtration (they’re messy feeders)

Compatible with:

• Other fast, large predatory fish like silver arowanas, peacock bass, stingrays, large datnoids, or large catfish

• Avoid smaller tankmates or slow swimmers—they may become prey

• Can be kept solo or in loose groups if tank is large enough

Behavior:

• ⚡ Lightning-fast and explosive during feeding

• 🎯 Known for its midwater strikes and powerful jaw motion

• 🧠 Intelligent and visually aware of its surroundings—will follow movement outside the tank

🛒 Why Buy from RobsAquatics.com?

Each Vampire Tetra is:

• ✅ Individually hand-selected for health, size, and fang development

• ✅ Well-conditioned on frozen or pre-killed food

• ✅ Professionally packed and shipped with our Live Arrival Guarantee

• ✅ Perfect for monster fish keepers, predator tank displays, or advanced aquarists

📦 Nothing turns heads like a fanged freshwater predator. Add the legendary Payara Vampire Tetra to your monster tank lineup—available now at RobsAquatics.com.