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Could be scombs. The only reason I say redtails is because the tail of the smaller one doesnt seem to have the species specific tail of a scomb. It doesn't have the dark base or shape of a scombs tail. Again though, bad pics mean a guess based on the bad pics.
 
ur right, then the one looks very silver like a vulpinus so who knows
 
Hey vamptrev, how big are your scombs? I don't believe that a fish will just die at 12". Probably some kind of aquarist error (like slacked on waterchanges or something) So was wondering how successful you are with them.
 
I don't believe that it's an aquarist error if it's happened pretty much to everyone that's owned them. There isn't enough research done to really say what it's from. They could require different water parameters once they reach a certain size, it could be a breeding thing, change in diet, etc. It could be from anything, but whatever it is, it has yet to be replicated in the home aquarium. I believe it has something to do with how sensative scombs are to water conditions, in that if it doesn't match the natural conditions exactly they die. Where as other species of fish are more tollerant to a variety of water parameters. It's not a simple as an aquarist error, if it happens to everyone.
 
mine are about 6 to 7 inches but they are very slow growing even thow they eat alot. we'll just have to wait and see. ive seen them bigger than mine but none huge. still sweet lookin fish
 
all the times ive seen scombs in stores they have been about the size of mine. i think that people get bored of them because if u keep them alone without any competition for food they will wait til ur not lookin to snag a fish, and alot of people take them back to the store. ive heard from numerous people that it woudnt be because of the lack of their natural water, because from wet to dry season their water quality changes alot anyway so they should be able to adapt to the water especially in an aquarium when the water quality should be great. so has anyone tried to keep them in a high current? i have yet to see a large captive scomb. i wonder why armatus grows so much faster then any of the other vamps. mine has grown faster and bigger then the others that ive had for years.
 
Rhaphs are THE only ones you see in stores here in Iowa. Never seen any of the other kinds for sale. I know of only ONE shop that has had Scombs in the past.
 
raph vulpinus and gibbus were the first vamps to become popular in my area about 3years ago. i got both kinds but both of my gibbus died and i still have the vulpinus which are about 12'' now. r.i.p. to my 2 gibbus. my guy can get them whenever but now with the experience ive had im sticking to redtails and armatus.

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