They are also relatively small, reaching up to 16 in diameter. 5 ways to know if its a safe treat to give your dog! Along with a good filter, you will also need to perform regular partial water changes to ensure your pet is getting all the attention it deserves. 1. You can find freshwater stingrays . Tiger River rays are quite popular in the trade, although not much is known about them. Most stingrays that we know of are marine fishes. While most other aquarium applications might recommend a cycle rate of 10 times the tanks volume per hour, we recommend somewhere between 15-20 times the volume for stingrays. Males have a pair of claspers that are used for insemination during mating. Their conservation status is currently unknown. Choose your pets wisely, and do your research before bringing an animal home. Quality Freshwater Stingray Fishes Available for Sale 1. New rays should be quarantined for at least one month before being added to your existing tank. To conclude, freshwater stingrays are not dangerous, but they surely do require a bit of attention from the humans who handle them. Eclipse Stingray 2. The gestation period usually lasts about three months, with different species differing by a few days each. Feeding pups can be tricky as they usually only take live food at the start. As their name implies, they livein fresh water in the Amazon. When the barbs are shed, they are still poisonous and remain dangerous for several days. To dispel a common myth, these fish dont attack people with their stingers and are not aggressive toward humans. Breeding freshwater stingrays in captivity is not a mission impossible, but it is rather hard to achieve. When you become a member, you also receive exclusive benefits, like special opportunities to meet animals, discounts at Zoo stores and more. Freshwater stingrays produce a relatively large amount of ammonia when compared to their body size, so keeping their water clean is crucial. If you intend to keep a Motoro, make sure you have adequate tank space. As a stingray keeper, it is essential to always keep an eye out for their stinger no matter how calm the situation might be. Freshwater stingrays should not be characterized as aggressive creatures. Newborn pups are susceptible to everything. They are quite fascinating once you get to know them, and there are still so many things about these creatures that we need to fully understand and learn (for instance, how long they live in their wild habitats). This increase in filter media also helps to bolster essential nitrifying bacteria that will bring down levels of nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia, all of which are toxic to stingrays even at moderate levels. If you do get stung, you should plunge the injured area into very hot water, as heat negates the effect of the rays venom. Its thought that all freshwater stingray species are livebearers. Once the female gets tired, she will accept the male, and he will proceed to insert his claspers into her cloaca. It has a light brown base with mottled circular orange patterns. The developing embryos receive additional nutrition from a milky, rich substance produced in the mother's uterus. Used for self-defense, the stinger is tipped with barbs that can rip through flesh when withdrawn. You can expect to pay up to $300 for an Ocellate ray. Designing in a sump increases the space available for filter media such as bio rings which help increase the surface area for beneficial fauna to flourish. Freshwater stingrays spend most of their day on the tank bottom. They are absent in female stingrays. They also possess electrosensitive pores called Ampullae of Lorenzini, which enable the fish to detect the electronic impulses given off by all animals. Freshwater stingrays are carnivores, feeding mostly on fish and crustaceans in the wild. They love spending their time at the tank bottoms, waiting for their food and exploring their territory. Housing them in habitats with rounded . Ammonia and nitrite have to be at zero at all times, while nitrate levels should never exceed 10ppm. The freshwater stingray is a very large fish and, by all accounts, should only be raised by experienced keepers who understand their needs. They have strong mouths with rows of small teeth designed for grinding up and breaking the shells of invertebrates. In order to understand whether this shark-related animal is ideal for your home, here comes its full care, facts and profile sheet. Make sure that any decorations are smooth and dont have any rough surfaces or sharp edges. Also, they are surrounded by a sense of mystique and surely make one of the most unique pets one can ever own. Ideally, this should take care not just of the biological filtration, but also of the chemical and mechanical ones. Hence, it is best to keep them at or close to zero. Most of the freshwater stingrays we see today originate from the Amazon basin in particular the Potamotrygon family, which weve mentioned earlier. Because of their late age of sexual maturity . The actual mating does not take more than a minute, and insemination happens internally. Indeed, your delicate pet can easily get injured on these, so please make sure to choose smooth rocks or Brazilian driftwood. And, more importantly, you should aim to have a longer tank rather than a higher one. . Shortly before 4 p.m., zoo officials said, the employee was doing well and would be . Their tails can reach up to 1 foot (30.5 centimeters) in length and an inch wide (2.5 centimeters). Stingrays are extremely sensitive to water conditions, especially to ammonia, nitrite, and nitrates. These rays are also close cousins of sawfish and sharks. The lifespan of a freshwater stingray in the wild is currently unknown. We need to prepare your fish for shipping which requires that we stop feeding the fish for minimum 24 hours before shipping. Feeding is usually an easy process for an already established stingray. Bare bottom aquariums can be a simple and safe choice for these amazing fish. However, these cannot really offer the natural stimulus which these creatures need to thrive. Other than that, your stingray pet will be a rather peaceful one, and will often try interacting with you and your family members. The potency of the venom is influenced by the ray species, diet, and water chemistry. Some species like Potamotrygon Leopoldi and Potamotrygon Motoro can grow up to 36 inches in diameter if kept in the right conditions. It is best to use gloves when removing the shed barbs from the tank. The Potamotrygon family is the most prominent in the aquarium trade, as well discuss below. Once again, freshwater stingrays are overly sensitive to any unideal water state, so please always keep track of its parameters and intervene as soon as there is an oscillation. SmithsoniansNationalZoo& ConservationBiologyInstitute Most keepers opt to have a sump system installed to increase the volume of water in the tank as well as increase the amount of filter media to handle the heavy bioload. If a barb breaks off in your skin, you must consult your doctor or get to the emergency room. Their powerful jaws can easily crush the shells of clams and mussels, and they will occasionally eat small fish. Stingrays, like their names suggest, have stingers. The claspers will look like pointed extensions of the pelvic fin. They are also one of the cheapest rays at around $100, and they are readily available. Black diamonds sometimes have donut-shaped white spots and white speckles near the perimeter of their disc. Fish species to avoid include Plecos and other suckermouth catfish, as these have been seen sucking on the rays soft bodies, causing injury and stress. These rays are one of the easiest species to look after and grow to measure up to 24 in diameter. Until recent years, most of the fish in the trade were wild-caught, resulting in exorbitant prices and high mortality rates. While it is more common for these fishes to be in the 30-inch range, you will still need to be prepared for them to grow continuously throughout their lives. After a gestation period of three months, the female produces eggs that hatch internally before birth. While these pellets have varying degrees of success with the fish, they are by far the most convenient option. Also, once they reach maturity, they can basically breed again as soon as they bring life to the previous babies. However, this is only used when their wellbeing is seriously compromised. The best part when feeding these amazing fish is not having to worry about separating shells or heads from their meals, as they are among those which feed by mastication. Before sexual maturity, these claspers are not obvious, but they are still there. Washington, DC 20008. While not all Potamotrygon Leopoldi are black diamonds, they are still considered variations of the same species. They are not typically hunted for food but are becoming popular in the aquarium trade. The size they reach in the aquarium is directly related to the amount of food they get. The unborn young are ovoviviparous, meaning they are nourished by egg yolk inside the mother's body. Your email address will not be published. Indeed, the largest obstacle is related to the actual space amount you would need to provide to your pets, as well as the time and efforts you will have to ensure in order to condition them properly and raise their babies. However, these fish are not suitable for beginners, and they can be challenging to feed and keep healthy. The rays preferred habitat is slow-moving rivers with a sandy substrate bottom. These amazing creatures are highly intelligent and can learn to interact with their humans in an amazing way. Required fields are marked *. Many require special care and live for a long time. A robust biological filtration system is perhaps the most essential piece of equipment you can have when keeping freshwater stingrays. Some hazards can crop up if you have a group of zealous freshwater stingrays trying to have a meal together. Live food is generally more enticing and can induce a better feeding response for sick or recovering stingrays. The minimum size where to keep a fully-grown specimen should be not less than 180 gallons, although you can keep it for some time in a somehow smaller tank during its baby and juvenile phases. If kept well, these mysterious species become not only majestic showpieces but also very personable pets almost like playful puppies! The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. As their name implies, they live in fresh water in the Amazon. You will very likely fall in love with them. These fish come from South America, specifically the Orinoco, Amazon, Mearim, and Ro de la Plata river basins. Class: Elasmobranchii (sharks and rays) Max. Freshwater stingrays can make a spectacular addition to your collection, although their size and sensitivity to water conditions make these creatures challenging to keep successfully. Due to freshwater stingrays being closely related, different members of a single genus can all hybridize with one another. A fascinating fact about these creatures is that the females own two uteruses, so they can actually get pregnant with two different males at the same time and bring life to their babies afterwards. The Black diamond is a variation of the Leopoldi with an even cleaner jet black base with more white spots. Black Devil Stingrays come from the Xingu River tributary of the Amazon, and this is the only place where these unusual, beautiful fish exist in the wild. We will cover what we know to work and include supplier options available to you from your pet store, seafood supplier or specialist such as ourselvesmore on that later. However, due to the fact that freshwater stingrays live in a concentrated environment, scientists believe they might be endangered. We usually feed our pups three times daily as well! The discarded barbs then fall to the bottom of your fish tank. Galaxy P14 Stingray pairs for sale Galaxy P14 Stingray pairs, Potamotrygon albimaculata sp., also known as Galaxy P14 Hybrid Stingray. About the Freshwater Ray Stingrays are close relatives to sharks and sawfish, in that they have cartilaginous skeletons in place of . Many hobbyists feed live blackworms to get new rays eating as soon as possible, but frozen bloodworms, mysis shrimp, raw shrimp or white fish (tilapia) and live earthworms are better choices once rays are acclimated to their new surroundings. That means, within 3-5 years, you will need to purchase a 300-500 gallon tank for your new pet. However, in captivity, the stinging barbs are periodically shed and replaced by new ones. This fish can detect the electric field of a nearby animal, thus helping it to catch its prey more easily. Freshwater stingrays prefer less salty waters, and can be found in rivers across Australia, Africa, and Southeast Asia. All freshwater stingrays are carnivores. Before we talk about how big the tank should be for a single stingray to live comfortably, we need to understand the important aspects to consider. You should not add salt to the tank, and many stingray owners use DI/RO water, together with a trace element restorer. And freshwater stingrays are exactly one of those super-unique fish to brag about. These flattened fishes have eyes on the top of their bodies with mouths and gill slits on their undersides. The original polka-dot stingray, Potamotrygon Henlei, is one of the most majestic stingrays available in the trade. Most of these species can be found at your local fish store or from a breeder. Once your rays have settled in, you can often train them to take a portion of food from tweezers or your fingers. Once ready, the male will begin chasing the female around the tank. At times, the Henlei may exhibit yellowish spots with a greyish base. The spines are constantly being shed and replaced, allowing the stingray to sometimes have two stingers as a new stinger grows in to replace the older one. Suzy Sue. Therefore, a fine sand substrate might be the best solution possible. Since 2017, some states, including California, Arkansas, Hawaii, Arizona, Nevada, Mississippi, Utah, and Texas, have banned the ownership of Potamotrygon species, while Florida and Colorado demand a permit. Stingrays can be fun to keep, and they do make great interactive pets. Shipping area: USA/CANADA/EUROPE/ASIA, Galaxy P14 Hybrid Freshwater Stingray female Freshwater stingrays can grow to have a disc width of about 18 inches (46 centimeters). We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Veterinary Disclaimer: AquariumNexus.com does not intend to provide any kind of veterinary suggestion. Your tank heater must have a guard fitted around it. Keep reading for the definitive guide to keeping these beautiful, enigmatic freshwater fish. However, not any will be a good fit, so choosing the tank mates for your freshwater stingray carefully is vitally important. Stingray Care. On top of that, these shark relatives are highly intelligent, meaning that they will often interact with their humans and happily form a relationship with them. In the wild, the fish eat mainly crustaceans and other fish. Freshwater Stingray Care, Facts, Profile & More. Tank lighting should be subdued and set on a 12-hour night/day cycle. At this point, its important not to stress the female out, or she may have a miscarriage or premature birth. For many hobbyists, they are a holy grail. Indeed, although they are strong and feature several natural advantages in fighting off their opponents, they actually tend to have a fairly docile behavior. They are voracious eaters and will even eat out of your hand once they are comfortable enough. What they cannot withstand are fluctuations. They are opportunistic feeders that will eat any fish small enough that comes too close. Large females can produce up to 200,000 eggs, but they only spawn every 2-4 years. These can be shrimp, mussels, bloodworms and similar, but you can also offer your pet some occasional land insects such as crickets. As they grow large, theyll need NO LESS than three by five feet worth of floorspace available to them. They enjoy spending their lives across tropical and subtropical environmental conditions. Although most of the Sps are cheap, a few hybrid varieties top the charts of the most expensive freshwater stingrays. Mating occurs year-round so there is no need to wait for a specific season. Freshwater stingrays are very large and require big tanks. However, most injuries are to the fingers or feet and are not as dangerous or life-threatening as a sting to the trunk or closer to the heart. Its main diet consists of crabs, squid, crustaceans, fish, sea snails, shrimp, and prawns. Indeed, they require lots of space and attention from their keepers. Since the roots of plants can often be more of a disturbance rather than an advantage, it is better to avoid heavily planted tanks for these bottom feeders. Company: Other rays and non aggressive fishes. Now, you might wonder what is the most suitable kind of aquarium for you to keep these aquatic pets. It is also very important that both fishes are in good health before attempting to breed them. The venomous barb is actually a modified scale, and the stingray only uses it for defense. At the Smithsonian's National Zoo, the stingrays eat shrimp, earthworms, smelt and an aquatic omnivore gel diet. In todays article, well go in-depth about this majestic family of fishes and how best to keep them in the home aquarium. Please leave us your questions in the sections below! Another big problem when trying to feed stingrays is the size of the food item. We feed our stingrays thrice daily. Please always ask a veterinarian for help regarding your pets. When there is no time to head to the market, you can simply feed your pet with meat-based sinking pellets, too. For our stingrays, we choose to maintain a 1-3 inch layer of size zero river sand. Motoro. However, their sting is only a defense mechanism and is rarely used unless absolutely necessary. You should also seek urgent medical attention. The freshwater stingray is without question an incredible creature. Whatsapp: +1 (469) 334-3496 We also usually add little to no decor into our stingray tanks because stingrays like to explore every inch of floorspace available, making floorspace a very valuable asset. Recent years have even seen commercial pellets being developed, especially for bottom-dwelling carnivores. 3 Types of Freshwater Stingrays that sell for $1000+ Flip Aquatics 111K subscribers Join Subscribe 7 views 6 minutes ago Freshwater stingrays are one of the coolest pets I've seen for. More and more keepers nowadays opt to keep freshwater stingrays without any substrate in the tanks. The giant freshwater stingray is a carnivore. I've had lots of fish from Krzysztof inc bds, albino pearl, banjar red arrowana,and hybrid bdxp14. Next, the female is to produce the eggs which will hatch internally, to finally give birth to live babies. Each spine has grooves underneath that contain protein-based venom. The size of the spots also makes a difference. The Potamotrygon Henlei is also a large stingray and will require adequate space before commitment. Stingrays hunt by jumping out of the sand, trapping prey animals under their bodies. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. That means they almost exclusively consume meat. Rays like to burrow down into the substrate, so fine sand is essential. Pure Breed : Yes These are from the family Potamotrygonidae. Despite their many similarities with sharks, these delicate animals prey on the notorious sea predator. Stingrays love being buried beneath the sand, often leaving only their eyes to be noticed. They are very inquisitive fish with definite minds of their own! This can be a huge monetary and time commitment, which makes them a generally poor pet. Rays can be challenging to keep and are expensive to buy, so be sure to do plenty of research on their care before you part with your cash. They are widespread in oceans globally but especially abundant in deep, tropical waters. White sturgeon fecundity increases with size. In the wild, most of their diet consists of various worms, mollusks, and small fish that stray too close. While no freshwater species are known to have caused human fatalities, we know . Freshwater stingrays are notorious for increasing the bioload in the tank tremendously. Read Our Article To Find Out! Freshwater rays are flesh-eaters that feed mainly with fish and crustaceans in the wild. What we usually do is to isolate the female a few weeks before she is due. If kept properly, the pups should reach a stable size of five inches within three months or so before they can be sold or given away. When decorating your tank, be sure to leave lots of open space on the bottom so that the rays have plenty of swimming area and scape to bury themselves in the sand. Tropical reptiles and small mammals are often traded internationally and may be victims of the illegal pet trade. Sex : Males (36 available) All Rights Reserved. After each feeding, we vacuum and remove the remaining food in the tank. That meant that the fish were stressed and often carried diseases and parasites. In the list below are a few species of freshwater stingrays that have become popular in the aquarium trade in recent years. Freshwater stingrays live in the Amazon River system and are one of the only rays inhabiting freshwater rather than saltwater. Stingray reproduction is a unique process that has earned these fish their name. We remember being in awe many years ago when they first appeared. Freshwater stingrays can grow to have a disc width of about 18 inches (46 centimeters). But not only. Stingrays usually find security in the substrate at the bottom of the tank. Freshwater stingrays are mysterious creatures. Today I give some advise on how to approach buying stingrays online. If you are going to keep freshwater stingrays, here are the tank, water and substrate requirements you should know about: If you decide to adopt a freshwater stingray, please be prepared to it needing a fairly large tank with pristine water conditions. Freshwater stingrays are carnivorous. These can be shrimp, mussels, bloodworms and similar, but you can also offer your pet some occasional land insects such as crickets. So, before buying a freshwater ray, double-check the rules for wildlife ownership in your area. A stingray's spine is constantly being shed and replaced. 42+ Most Unique & Beautiful Types of Cichlids for Every Aquarist, Freshwater Shrimp: 26 Colorful Types for Aquarium (with Care Tips), 35 Most Exotic & Cool Freshwater Fish for Aquarium (with Care Tips), 20 Most Effective Algae Eaters for Freshwater Aquarium (all Sizes), 39 Most Colorful & Active Types of Tetras to Intrigue Aquarists, 38 Most Colorful Freshwater Fish to Enhance Your Aquarium, Saltwater Fish: Most Popular Picks for Your Marine Aquarium. Indeed, the freshwater stingray loves inhabiting the Amazon River, but some versions can easily be found around Southeast Asia, Australia, and Africa. Chip Your Pet Month | Pet Microchipping Guide. An Octopus is a sea animal with rounded bodies, bulging eyes, and eight long arms. However, if you have a big enough tank, there is no harm in a bit of decor like bogwood and stones. Bought a black dimond male came in perfect . When sexually mature, the male specimen will hold onto the female by biting her, and he will impregnate her with the help of his modified pelvic fin. size: 100 cm WD / 39 inches WD 15 Kg. Stingrays are sexually dimorphic. Some keepers opt to separate the males after breeding to prevent further stress to the female. Freshwater Stingray, The Best Pet Fish? It is common for older females to have bite marks around the perimeter of her disc. When it is born, a ray's disc is about 3 inches (8 centimeters) wide. That allows the carnivorous stingrays to detect prey items hidden under the substrate and hunt in complete darkness. While there are some exceptions to this rule, most of their diet should only consist of animal matter. However, most of the rays you see in fish stores these days are captive-bred. Black Diamond Stingray 3. They are also known as gluttonous ones, thus the food for them will be quite costly for you. Some of ours recognize our faces and will swim to the top of the tank to spit water at us to get some attention when we walk past! Since 2002, the Zoo has been highly successful in breeding freshwater stingrays. Leopoldis have a much cleaner look and have much clearer white spots as compared to the Henlei. The wound itself might not be severe, but the surrounding tissue could die as a potentially very dangerous side effect of a sting. Sexually mature males do get aggressive when they are trying to mate. It takes 24 to 48 hours after receiving your order before we ship. However, plants that are able of growing onto driftwood and smooth rocks, such as anubias or java ferns, or even some sorts of floating plants such as duckweed, are all more than welcome. These are active fishes with high metabolism level, and that's why you should feed them at least twice a day. In Cambodia, the populations of this fish inhabit the waters of the Mekong River. It is completely normal for the female to look bloated if she has a large litter. Freshwater stingrays are carnivorous. Although these fish prefer low-flow water, a higher turnover rate will reduce the bioload in the tank. Freshwater stingrays eat crustaceans and other invertebrates. In human care, they live between 5 and 10 years. Husbandry improvements and a better understanding of the fish themselves have improved survival rates. 235,569 views Dec 19, 2020 9.9K Dislike Share Save Clint's Reptiles 450K subscribers Cartilaginous fishes like sharks and stingrays are among the. An Amazing Giant. We hope youve found this article fun and informative. Home Renovation Tips: Keeping Your Kids And Pets Safe, How Many Ghost Shrimp Can I Add per Gallon? It takes about a month for them to grow to a stable size of four inches or so before they can be started on the same foods the adults take. Black Diamond Stingray Female $ 400.00 $ 350.00 Sale! The colorful glow of Washington, D.C.s beloved Smithsonians National Zoo holiday tradition is back for 2022. The danger comes about when overly excited stingrays start thrashing around for food, sometimes swinging their tails. However, we know many freshwater stingray breeders who have raised stingrays from pups without any substrate. Yes, you read that right, sharks! The Octopus when threatened shoots an inky fluid that darkens the surrounding water to confuse the aggressor . As for temperature, they are fine with anything from 70F to 82F. When buying your ray, look closely at the fish to make sure that the edges of the disc are not curling up, commonly known as the death curl. You also need to check that the ray has no obvious nicks or other injuries. Although most people think of ocean waters when stingrays are mentioned, there are actually some species which are commonly found in freshwaters. Male stingrays, as an exception, can get quite aggressive during the mating process, as they will start biting on the bodies of their female partners and strongly taking them over. The zoo employee was taken to the Nebraska Medical Center in critical condition, according to a 911 dispatcher. Age:4 months old Stingray venom is cardiotoxic. Native Habitat Freshwater stingray are native to South America. In North America, fish stores usually sell stingrays of the Potamotrygon genus found naturally in South America. They look like little sausage rolls at the base of their tail. Height is the least important factor when deciding the aquarium size. Once that you have found your ideal permanent tank, you should be careful to setup its water parameters correctly. Stingrays are venomous animals. This is because stingrays find security by burrowing, so thats how they will spend much of their time. Freshwater Stingray Freshwater Stingray Grid List Sale! I also talk about the development of stingray pups and what to expect.Center for Stingra. This behavior can seem quite violent when the male will bite and chew at the females body. Having a shorter tank will also aid with the weekly aquarium maintenance. A male impregnates the female by using a modified pelvic fin as he bites the female's back. Mothers very rarely eat their pups. It takes 10 to 12 years for male white sturgeon to reach sexual maturation and 30-45 inches, while 12 to 16 years for females, 35 - 60 inches to sexual maturity. Keeping freshwater stingrays is an immensely rewarding experience. In a zoological setting, stingrays are provided with plenty of swimming space. Some freshwater species will even prey on insects! The male will sometimes swim inverted to get into a better position to insert his claspers. This species is also a good choice for hobbyists looking to start keeping stingrays. 5.5 inch. Accidents generally happen when wild stingrays are stepped on or improperly handled. Although the tank height isnt important, the aquarium for freshwater stingrays should be at least 72 to 84 in length and between 24 and 36 wide. ive also part exchanged fish always had a great experience highly recommend for both imported and uk tank bred rays soon il be collecting my 2 atabapo pike and tiger moray eel. Choose an in-line design or put the heater in a sump so that the rays dont burn themselves. While doing this makes things more convenient for the aquarist, it can sometimes cause stress to the rays (especially if the tank is heavily stocked with other fishes) and offers them no place to seek shelter. Comprising of 24 out of the 33 species of freshwater stingray, the Potamotrygon genus by far has the best survival rates in the home aquarium. Uruguay, Paran-Paraguay, Orinoco, and Amazon River basins. Ask the store to reserve the fish for you, and allow them a week or so to settle in before you make your purchase and take the fish home. Different genus of stingray can be found in river systems across the Amazon, and South America. If you are a beginner looking to keep your first ray, be sure to do adequate research as they are both financially and mentally taxing animals to keep. Stingray Fish Pete's Aquariums & Fish is your #1 source for online and in-store sales of Marine Saltwater Aquarium Fish like Stingray Fish / Stingrays including Bluespotted Ribbontail Stingray Fish, Atlantic Stingray Fish, Yellow Stingray Fish, and more. Albino Pearl Stingray Male $ 600.00 $ 550.00 Sale! The matter of clipping stingrays barbs for the safety of keepers is highly contentious. While it can be tricky to tell them apart before sexual maturity, with a little practice, youll be a pro! First of all, they require stable temperature levels which can recreate their natural tropical conditions, so anywhere between 75- and 82-degrees Fahrenheit. Denmark: Badstuestrde 3 3 1209 Copenhagen. Pregnant Goldfish: What to Look for & What to Do? In the past, almost all the freshwater stingrays offered for sale were wild-caught. But these fantastic carnivorous are not suitable for everyone. This is all part of their natural instincts and it is always suggestable for keepers to stimulate such behavior as much as possible. Rays only use their barbs defensively if they feel threatened. Stingrays do not tolerate mistakes well, and it would be best to remember that. These fish also produce vast amounts of ammonia relative to their size, so youll need a big tank with a very efficient biological filtration system. At times, they may even have two at a once. In their natural environment, stingrays prefer slightly acidic water (mainly due to the tannins present). Leopoldis should only be kept by experienced aquarists as they are more sensitive to water parameters than other freshwater stingrays. The frequency of this depends on the individual and is different for each species. Potamotrygon albimaculata sp Females can give birth a few times a year. More often than not, rays are thought of as saltwater creatures and many are surprised to discover that they also live in freshwater. The venom is produced by cells that also produce toxic mucus. Most injuries to ray keepers are accidental and can be avoided if you take care not to frighten, harass, or stress your rays. However, other fish can also work simply fine. Using Homeopathic Principles for a Healthy Dog or Cat, Cake Decorating 101 with Funny Dog Maymo: Yummy Cake Recipe by Dog Chef, Adorable Pets Youll Just Fall In Love With! Here are some examples of functioning tank mates: Freshwater stingrays breed through internal fertilization. They do not have very big mouths. Tank Size As mentioned previously, most stingray species grow to a large size, so you'll need a large tank. Jamie Wheatley. For the. The black base color, coupled with white spots and a paddle tail made it very different from any other stingray before. Members are our strongest champions of animal conservation and wildlife research. That means they almost exclusively consume meat. When the female is ready, she will give birth to her pups. Exotic animals dont always make great pets. Indeed, these pets can literally chew their entire meal out, leaving all the important nutritive values intact. Ammonia . With this unique pet being carnivorous, the first rule to follow is to choose large enough tank mates in order to prevent them from becoming a meal. Freshwater stingrays are also very sensitive to ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. You can use a 75 to 90-gallon tank for juvenile stingrays, but adults must have at least a 180-gallon to be comfortable. (Author) 20 ratings Paperback $8.69 8 Used from $4.78 Many stingrays are small enough for home aquariums, but hobbyists must know how to protect against stingray venom. And, of course, they sport stingers on their tails that serve as formidable weapons. So, you will need a large tank with powerful filtration to house one of these beauties. Stingrays are certainly one of the most wanted aquatic pets among enthusiasts today and, as a surprise to some, they can be freshwater as well. Most of these fish come from a particular river system, with most found in the Amazon River. This species grows slightly smaller than the Motoro and can reach sizes of up to 30 inches in diameter. The most common of the lot, the Ocellate river stingray, sometimes called the Motoro, is a great stingray to start with. Also, we advise that you dont buy any recently acquired rays. Mostly, they spend their time at the bottom of the rivers, meaning that they can adapt well either to sandy-bottomed waters or to heavily planted areas during the rainy seasons. Given the small space within a tank and the fact that barbs sink to the bottom where the stingrays live, this has been the fate of far too many aquarium rays in the past. Crabs, shrimps, and lobsters rank among their favorite foods. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Because of their rarity, the export of these fish is banned, although you can find captive-bred specimens, as these fish are relatively easy to breed. However, their sting is only a defense mechanism and is rarely used unless absolutely necessary. They will need feeding at least once or twice a day. Size: 7 inches Although you can tame your stingray to accept food from your hand, and many even enjoy being petted, you must be very careful of the fishs venomous stingers. You can also feed your rays raw white fish and raw shrimp, and captive-bred rays can be offered sinking pellets and tablet foods. Individuals in a litter of stingrays are called pups. 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