Payara, Sabertooth Tetras

[Treerat]

Hi nice people. I am looking into thinking about maybe kinda sorta getting some sabertooth tetras or whatever name they really are. I seen one site with really limited info on them. Any distrobutors? I'd save my allowance for a 120g tank for them if things work out. They look so cool. The cats definately wont be drinking out of their tank! :-P

[gm72]

There is some information on this site, actually. I don't think that would be a very good beginner fish, but we don't know your experience level, either.

[OscarFan]

Are they also known as vampire tetras

[Treerat]

Im experienced. My dad says im an "advanced amature." lol. but i have had fish tanks for many years and have many long-lived fish. Moving around alot meant I had to adopt out the fish i kept in smaller tanks but now I am responsible for all the tanks and love it. I know many fish, like cats and dogs and birds, can live 10 years or more and I am all about that. those are my principle fish. I love my fish... yeah and the cats too

[gm72]

Good to know. We are always hesitant to give advice to keep fish that are more difficult without knowing the aquarist's experience level.

[blu]

I was reading about them and if you can grow it to adult size then it will outgrow your 120gal....a reccomended tank of atleast 500gal is needed to house this potentially 4ft fish(although at 4ft I might give it more space).
If your interested in a smaller fish(6in) with teeth mabey the Exodon paradoxus would be good.
Here are a couple of sites that may be useful to you:
http://www.angelfire.com/biz/piranha038/exodon.html

http://aquaticpredators.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=4209

http://www.aqualandpetsplus.com/Oddball,%20Vampire%20Tetra.htm

[gm72]

I have read that growing the fish out to those sizes is difficult at best. Most don't make it that long, don't know why though.

[blu]

I also read that and included a site that said that..but if he is able to grow it to a large size a 120gal will be a little small. I was just trying to make the point that if he does decide to get this fish he should be prepared for it since he wont know exactly what size it will get.

Still a very cool fish though if I had the space and knew it would grow up to full size and healthy Id get one

[Treerat]

Thats alot of good stuff to absorb and consider. And im a "she" ;) ... They are a unique animal with unique requirements

[jbeining75]

Unique requirements and alot of cash. 500 gallon, acrylic tank and setup hmmmm. thats at least 3 or 4 grand unless built yourself.

[NickFish]

I'd say 750-1000 gallons would be best, if you can keep it that long.
Really cool fish, scary though and you wouldn't get me cleaning that tank!