Finally! I got a Payara:)
- Thread starter rallysman
- Start date
Sorry for getting back to you so late. The scientific name of your payara is Hydrolycus tatauaia. One of the most distinguishable characteristics is the golden body with red fins. However, there are some that don't have this coloring. I've owned one in the past that was all grey with grey and black fins. There are different varients of payara, just like any other fish, depending on location and the water chemistry of those places. Hydrolycus scomb. has a round black spot near the gill cover, and it also has black spots at the base of the pectoral fins. These are the ones that usually die off at around 12". H. tatauia and armatus have more of a moon shaped black blotch near the gill cover. The also have different body structures. They may not stand out as much seeing them separately, but once they are next to one another the differences are quite obvious. Tats and armatus have a much more developed jaw and they don tend to swim as diagonally as scombs. Armatus have a bright orange adipost fin, a white band at the edge of their tail, an even more developed jaw, and thay can reach 2' in an aquarium. Both Tats and armatus are a lot more active and aggressive than scombs (which usually just sit there and tick in the same spot). If you have the money and can even find one, Armatus are the way to go. However, redtails are also a kickass fish are much cheaper and more readily available. Sorry for all the typoes, but I wrote this pretty quickly because I'm at work. Congrats on your new pick up. 
KRSwop1;669995; said:Sorry for getting back to you so late. The scientific name of your payara is Hydrolycus tatauaia. One of the most distinguishable characteristics is the golden body with red fins. However, there are some that don't have this coloring. I've owned one in the past that was all grey with grey and black fins. There are different varients of payara, just like any other fish, depending on location and the water chemistry of those places. Hydrolycus scomb. has a round black spot near the gill cover, and it also has black spots at the base of the pectoral fins. These are the ones that usually die off at around 12". H. tatauia and armatus have more of a moon shaped black blotch near the gill cover. The also have different body structures. They may not stand out as much seeing them separately, but once they are next to one another the differences are quite obvious. Tats and armatus have a much more developed jaw and they don tend to swim as diagonally as scombs. Armatus have a bright orange adipost fin, a white band at the edge of their tail, an even more developed jaw, and thay can reach 2' in an aquarium. Both Tats and armatus are a lot more active and aggressive than scombs (which usually just sit there and tick in the same spot). If you have the money and can even find one, Armatus are the way to go. However, redtails are also a kickass fish are much cheaper and more readily available. Sorry for all the typoes, but I wrote this pretty quickly because I'm at work. Congrats on your new pick up.
Thanks for the info!!
, id get 2Since my thread failed about my Payara I have 2 question.
What are the parameters?(temp,PH, Etc.)
Do they do well in a planted tank?
What are the parameters?(temp,PH, Etc.)
Do they do well in a planted tank?
they prefer soft acidic water but people seem to have good luck with them in different waters if they are acclimated properly. I think it would be ok in a planted tank but you might get some ripped up once in a while..........these things are FAST.
I am not sure which way I am coming in yet I havent gotten the exact route layed out but I am probally gonna crash on mikes couch for the night so I dont have to do the whole round trip in one day.. how far are ya from mike????
KRSwop1;668309; said:
Exactly right.It is a red tail . Or the most newest discovered "tat" I own one right now and I must say they are an amazing fish. Mine ate 5 tri-color sharks 3/4 it's size in 5 days. And they will pull out the attitude when provoked. They are rivaled only by Armatus. One day you will notice a fang missing...dont worry it will be replaced in 3 days with a larger much whiter tooth soon followed by the other tooth falling out. Keep well fed and watch it grow. Mine is about 6.5 to 7'' now. Here are some pics. Sorry no background yet. It is in a 230 gallon. Enjoy.
Mike
