What exactly is a "Vampire Tetra"?

[attackfish21]

I went to my LFS and there are fish there that I have seen before under different names in the past, I have wanted one for some time, So I started reading around this thread and found that some are "scomb", or others are "Payara" (sp?) What is the difference between the value? are the a different species?

Would you need a picture to tell for sure? Please let me know, As I am seriously considering buying one of these cool monster fish.

Thanks everyone.

 

[attackfish21]

I read the Payara Care sheet in the stickies, and the ones I am looking at swim with their head way low, I don't know if that helps. i just want to know if there is a difference between them besides the way they swim... hmmmmm.... Armatus, or payara, or scomb or tat? So many names!! lol...

 

[mad ness]

scombs stand on their heads more than others.

payara covers all the fish in this category ie armatus, tat, scomb, raph... etc

"vampire tetra" is just a nickname for payaras in general

big difference between, plenty of info on this forum, dig deeper.

 

[attackfish21]

Yea I have been digging a lot here... they are a neat species! Thanks for your reply...

 

[Industrial]

The ones at your LFS are probably scombs. Scombs swim with their head down a lot, plus they are cheap (under 40$).

 

[payara 26]

I have heard so many names for payara. My LFS calls them Bucktooth tetra. LOL

 

[jp80911]

I have heard so many names for payara. My LFS calls them Bucktooth tetra. LOL

isn't bucktooth tetra Exodon?

 

[I<3fish]

isn't bucktooth tetra Exodon?

This is why common names are extremely inferior to scientific names...

 

[uhjkool]

isn't bucktooth tetra Exodon?

Yes bucktooth tetras are exodons however the payara is often called a sabretooth tetra

 

[bitteraspects]

"vampire tetras" are payara.
"bucktooth tetra" are Exodons

Sounds like your LFS is selling glass headstanders as payara.