Okay so i have a 3" payara (Hydrolycus Armatus I believe but the store I ordered it from could not provide the Sci. name) currently in a tank with 2 synodontis catfish and one albino bristel nose all three are less than 2.5", that all seem to be getting along good so far. I was wondering what other tankmates would be suitable and if the current ones could potentially end in disaster. Also, are there recomendations for what kind of scenery they like? Open spaces? Not to crowded? Plants?.. that sort of thing. Any comments would be appretiated! Did some research but open for any experienced opinion! Thanks!
Possible Payara Tankmates?
- Thread starter LEVI_L
- Start date
So there is nothing that it is compatible with? Do you think he will eventually eat the catfish as well? and what about scenery? Do you currently have any payara.
In my personal experience, it's hard to find the right tank mates. Either they nipped the hell out of my payara fins or the payara treated them like food. I think as long as your fish stays about the same size or at least too big for the payara to eat, I'd say your safe. Btw, feel free to post up a picture. We can ID him for you as I'm sure you know there's a big difference in personalities between the main 3 payara species. It might be difficult to ID at 3" but it's worth a shot.
Scenery... contrary to the general belief that they need super high current, in the 4 payaras I've kept to date, they hated fast current, at least as juveniles. You might see payara being caught in rushing waters, but some of the largest armatus' have been found in lakes as well. What I've found best is to provide both. Cover and open water. Your fish will choose whichever he likes during whatever mood he's in. My current Tatauaia stays under a driftwood all day. At night, you'll find him in the open water. Besides that, choose whichever scenery fits your taste. They don't mess with plants or anything.
Scenery... contrary to the general belief that they need super high current, in the 4 payaras I've kept to date, they hated fast current, at least as juveniles. You might see payara being caught in rushing waters, but some of the largest armatus' have been found in lakes as well. What I've found best is to provide both. Cover and open water. Your fish will choose whichever he likes during whatever mood he's in. My current Tatauaia stays under a driftwood all day. At night, you'll find him in the open water. Besides that, choose whichever scenery fits your taste. They don't mess with plants or anything.
Payara are pretty tough to mix as babies. they are very delicate but chow down on other delicate fish. if you want tankmates get something like large gourami or unagressive tetras or cyprinids but be prepared to move them soon and/or ensure they are expendable
This is him/her. Best photo i can get with my cell phone camera which is the only one i have. ID possibly? Thanks alot for the info!! There are many tetras i like and i will start looking into those some more. i have a pretty good balance of decore/cover in my aquarium and i have noticed he picks and chooses throughout the day. High current is not the case in my tank but it is a decent amount of flow and he seems to be doing very very well. Looking forward to more info and a possible ID!
Okay Im convinced!
Rhaphiodon vulpinus is easily distinguished from other Cynodontinae by their long, stream-lined body and the placement of the dorsal fin on the posterior third of the body length. The dorsal fin placement also helps in identifying these species from Hydrolycus by the dorsal fin inserted slightly to the rear of the vertical through the anal fin origin.