This stinger is a barbed appendage that is located about two thirds the way down the tail. Water parameters: pH 5.0-6.0, dH -10, temperature 24-26C / 75 - 78 F. For those of you who do not yet know, they give birth to live young! I've had lots of fish from Krzysztof inc bds, albino pearl, banjar red arrowana,and hybrid bdxp14. The danger comes about when overly excited stingrays start thrashing around for food, sometimes swinging their tails. Large females can produce up to 200,000 eggs, but they only spawn every 2-4 years. An Octopus is a sea animal with rounded bodies, bulging eyes, and eight long arms. Accidents generally happen when wild stingrays are stepped on or improperly handled. Crabs, shrimps, and lobsters rank among their favorite foods. This is all part of their natural instincts and it is always suggestable for keepers to stimulate such behavior as much as possible. The freshwater stingray is found in many different tropical regions of the world, and there are many different varieties. The species involved, the Atlantic stingray, Dasyatis sabina (please see photo), is known to forage in river mouths, but the St. John's River population is the only one that has become independent of the sea, even breeding in freshwater. Usually, the live feed is used as a last resort if your stingray has stopped eating. Youll also need to carry out frequent water changes to keep pristine water quality. 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. Tank Size As mentioned previously, most stingray species grow to a large size, so you'll need a large tank. After a gestation period of three months, the female produces eggs that hatch internally before birth. 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. At this point, its important not to stress the female out, or she may have a miscarriage or premature birth. This is because stingrays find security by burrowing, so thats how they will spend much of their time. They are opportunistic feeders that will eat any fish small enough that comes too close. However, the Motoro is a large species and can grow up to 36 inches in diameter. However, if you have a big enough tank, there is no harm in a bit of decor like bogwood and stones. If kept well, these mysterious species become not only majestic showpieces but also very personable pets almost like playful puppies! Owning a Freshwater Stingray A reputable seller will help you chose the right size aquarium with a well-filtered system to house your pet and meet with your state's requirements. We are the #1 trusted source for freshwater stingrays in the USA. 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. They are also known as gluttonous ones, thus the food for them will be quite costly for you. And, more importantly, you should aim to have a longer tank rather than a higher one. 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. They are also relatively small, reaching up to 16 in diameter. The majority of Tiger River rays are wild-caught, costing upward of $750. Although being carnivorous and fairly strong, freshwater stingrays can function pretty well with several tank mates, as long as they are carefully selected. New rays should be quarantined for at least one month before being added to your existing tank. For many hobbyists, they are a holy grail. They need massive tanks and are sensitive to water parameter fluctuations. Funny Pet Videos 2019, Cat Fails Funny Cat Videos Funny Animal Videos 2020. 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! 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. Your email address will not be published. Freshwater Stingray Care, Facts, Profile & More. For more information, please check our, a good choice for hobbyists looking to start keeping stingrays, defense mechanism and is rarely used unless absolutely necessary, Some keepers opt to separate the males after breeding, it is best to keep them in the same water, isolate the female a few weeks before she is due, We usually feed our pups three times daily as well, Malaysian Trumpet Snail: Care Guide (with Tank Setup & Breeding), Blasto Coral Care: Growth-Focused Diet, Placement & Propagation. And when doing so, you can actually teach your stingray to eat either from tweezers or even from your hands (at some point)! 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. Floorspace is also important because larger stingrays in small tanks will have a hard time turning as they navigate the bottom of the tank. Stingrays hunt by jumping out of the sand, trapping prey animals under their bodies. The developing embryos receive additional nutrition from a milky, rich substance produced in the mother's uterus. These are active fishes with high metabolism level, and that's why you should feed them at least twice a day. Having a shorter tank will also aid with the weekly aquarium maintenance. The more food that is made available, the larger they will grow. Stingrays are sexually dimorphic. All you need is a pair of mature adult stingrays, and they will most probably breed. The Octopus when threatened shoots an inky fluid that darkens the surrounding water to confuse the aggressor . Height is the least important factor when deciding the aquarium size. Native Habitat Freshwater stingray are native to South America. Due to their size and voracious appetite, freshwater stingrays require a filtration system that can handle such loads. Most of these species can be found at your local fish store or from a breeder. The size of the spots also makes a difference. Most freshwater stingrays require a constant water temperature between 75 and 82F. A tank with these dimensions will be able to house a maximum of two freshwater stingrays comfortably into adulthood. These special pets do require lots of attention and even more space. For our stingrays, we choose to maintain a 1-3 inch layer of size zero river sand. Their tails can reach up to 1 foot (30.5 centimeters) in length and an inch wide (2.5 centimeters). You can expect to pay up to $300 for an Ocellate ray. Pregnant Goldfish: What to Look for & What to Do? Stingrays love being buried beneath the sand, often leaving only their eyes to be noticed. In Cambodia, the populations of this fish inhabit the waters of the Mekong River. This is vitally important in order to provide a safe yet suitable home for your new pet. Pure Breed : Yes In order to understand whether this shark-related animal is ideal for your home, here comes its full care, facts and profile sheet. Leopoldis should only be kept by experienced aquarists as they are more sensitive to water parameters than other freshwater stingrays. Breed: Black Diamond Stingray If youre an experienced aquarist and youre looking for something different and undoubtedly impressive to add to your collection, the freshwater stingray might be a species to consider. What do Stingrays eat in the wild and as pets? While not all Potamotrygon Leopoldi are black diamonds, they are still considered variations of the same species. Freshwater stingrays spend most of their day on the tank bottom. Freshwater stingrays are very large and require big tanks. 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. Conservation The giant freshwater stingray has been declining in population for many years now. (+ Other FAQs). When it comes to decorations, the golden rule here is to avoid sharp objects. Keeping freshwater stingrays is an immensely rewarding experience. Freshwater stingrays of various species come from the rivers of Australia, Southeast Asia, South America, and Africa. Its main diet consists of crabs, squid, crustaceans, fish, sea snails, shrimp, and prawns. It is also critical that your tank is well and fully cycled before the introduction of any freshwater stingray because they are extremely sensitive to water parameter fluctuations. . Indeed, they require lots of space and attention from their keepers. They are also one of the cheapest rays at around $100, and they are readily available. 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, due to the fact that freshwater stingrays live in a concentrated environment, scientists believe they might be endangered. The rays preferred habitat is slow-moving rivers with a sandy substrate bottom. These shed barbs should be removed as soon as possible to prevent them from impaling your stingrays in the tank. 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. The female will begin to look swollen closer to the due date. Females can give birth a few times a year. We feed our stingrays thrice daily. Sexually mature males do get aggressive when they are trying to mate. 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. Freshwater stingrays belong to a large family of true rays, much like their saltwater relatives. That means they almost exclusively consume meat. And, of course, they sport stingers on their tails that serve as formidable weapons. The colorful glow of Washington, D.C.s beloved Smithsonians National Zoo holiday tradition is back for 2022. You can find freshwater stingrays . Yes, you read that right, sharks! To accurately sex a young stingray, it is easier to take it out and place it in a transparent container so the underside can be clearly seen. Some everyday food items that will entice them are tubifex worms, bloodworms, blackworms, and ghost shrimp. We ship via UPS next day service, Monday thru Thursday. To dispel a common myth, these fish dont attack people with their stingers and are not aggressive toward humans. 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. Freshwater stingrays can grow to have a disc width of about 18 inches (46 centimeters). 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. Simply raising awareness about this species can contribute to its overall protection. Female rays have two uteruses, meaning that they can simultaneously carry two litters of pups from two different male rays. You can expect to pay up to $1,500 for a Black Devil Stingray, which can reach 18 in diameter. Many regions prohibit the keeping of stingrays, as many species are threatened in the wild, so be sure to check the rules with your local authority before you spend your cash on one of these beautiful animals. The actual mating does not take more than a minute, and insemination happens internally. If you are not ready to commit enough space, your stingray will suffer and most probably die. Most stingrays that we know of are marine fishes. Sexual maturity is usually reached between 8 months to 1.5 years. What is a freshwater stingray like? Indeed, the freshwater stingray loves inhabiting the Amazon River, but some versions can easily be found around Southeast Asia, Australia, and Africa. King Henlei Stingray Affiliate Disclosure: AquariumNexus.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. SmithsoniansNationalZoo& ConservationBiologyInstitute Although there are many species of freshwater rays to be found in the trade, you only see a few of those in fish stores. Tank lighting should be subdued and set on a 12-hour night/day cycle. Some species like Potamotrygon Leopoldi and Potamotrygon Motoro can grow up to 36 inches in diameter if kept in the right conditions. However, because breeding is a stressful ordeal, we recommend breeding your female no more than twice a year. Pea Puffers Care: Aquarium Setup, Diet & Breeding Tips. About the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Andean Bear Cub Cam: Best Moments of the Week #2, Andean Bear Cub Cam: Best Moments of the Week #1. Freshwater stingrays reproduce through internal fertilization. And, of course, they sport stingers on their tails that serve as formidable weapons. In the past, almost all the freshwater stingrays offered for sale were wild-caught. 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. Freshwater stingrays are mysterious creatures. The black base color, coupled with white spots and a paddle tail made it very different from any other stingray before. However, if other stingrays are present, cannibalism is a significant danger. It is common for older females to have bite marks around the perimeter of her disc. Shortly before 4 p.m., zoo officials said, the employee was doing well and would be . Males have a pair of claspers that are used for insemination during mating. 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. 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. Today I give some advise on how to approach buying stingrays online. Although most of the Sps are cheap, a few hybrid varieties top the charts of the most expensive freshwater stingrays. Black Diamond Stingray Female $ 400.00 $ 350.00 Sale! When it comes to choosing tank mates for rays, the most compatible fish species are: Tank mates for freshwater rays must be peaceful fish, and large enough not to be eaten, so they dont bully the rays. 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW They are widespread in oceans globally but especially abundant in deep, tropical waters. Before sexual maturity, these claspers are not obvious, but they are still there. Stingray Care. Potamotrygon albimaculata sp Required fields are marked *. It has a light brown base with mottled circular orange patterns. Home Renovation Tips: Keeping Your Kids And Pets Safe, How Many Ghost Shrimp Can I Add per Gallon? However, these fish are not suitable for beginners, and they can be challenging to feed and keep healthy. It is best to use gloves when removing the shed barbs from the tank. What we usually do is to isolate the female a few weeks before she is due. 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. The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. 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. It is a dark brown color with yellow or orange spots. Furthermore, they are extremely sensitive to water conditions and need to have pristine water at all times. 5.5 inch. Husbandry improvements and a better understanding of the fish themselves have improved survival rates. Age:4 months old Now more than ever, we need your support. Indeed, your delicate pet can easily get injured on these, so please make sure to choose smooth rocks or Brazilian driftwood. Shipping area: USA/CANADA/EUROPE/ASIA, Galaxy P14 Hybrid Freshwater Stingray female The Porcupine River Stingray comes from the upper reaches of the Rio de la Plata and is a very popular choice for first-time ray owners. Can Goldfish Eat Bloodworms? However, you will not see this in a mature Leopoldi. The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. As for temperature, they are fine with anything from 70F to 82F. Freshwater stingrays are carnivorous. More and more keepers nowadays opt to keep freshwater stingrays without any substrate in the tanks. 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. 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 voracious eaters and will even eat out of your hand once they are comfortable enough. In the list below are a few species of freshwater stingrays that have become popular in the aquarium trade in recent years. When proper conditions are provided during their life in captivity, freshwater stingrays can survive anywhere from 5 up to even 10 years. Freshwater Algae Eaters (50) Freshwater Angelfish (21) Freshwater Catfishes (29) Freshwater Discus (32) Plecos Plecostomus Algae Eaters (36) Freshwater Schooling Fish (177) GloFish (5) Labyrinth Fish - Betta, Gourami, Badis, Paradise Fish (39) Killifish - Cyprinodontidae Fish (11) Loach, Botia & Garra Aquarium Fish (21) Miscellaneous Aquarium . Bought a black dimond male came in perfect . 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. However, it is important to note that pups have small mouths and can be quite finicky when it comes to changes in diet. We usually feed our pups three times daily as well! Plants of any kind are not recommended because the rays are likely to burrow in the sand and uproot everything. However, these fish are not suitable for beginners, and they can be challenging to feed and keep healthy. The frequency of this depends on the individual and is different for each species. Stingrays are venomous animals. Copyright 2022 - AquariumNexus. These fish are one of the larger species of Amazonian rays growing up to 28 in diameter. Exotic animals dont always make great pets. Freshwater stingrays, as their name suggests, possess a row of barbs on their tail. They look like little sausage rolls at the base of their tail. Black Diamond Stingray Male $ 400.00 $ 350.00 Sale! For that reason, you need to have a good understanding of the Nitrogen Cycle and how it works. Freshwater stingrays eat crustaceans and other invertebrates. Many require special care and live for a long time. The venom is produced by cells that also produce toxic mucus. Stingrays at the Zoo are often sent to other sites around the country for breeding. So, before buying a freshwater ray, double-check the rules for wildlife ownership in your area. Galaxy P14 Stingray pairs for sale Galaxy P14 Stingray pairs, Potamotrygon albimaculata sp., also known as Galaxy P14 Hybrid Stingray. 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. Used for self-defense, the stinger is tipped with barbs that can rip through flesh when withdrawn. Ammonia and nitrites must be zero, and nitrates should be below 10 ppm. In North America, fish stores usually sell stingrays of the Potamotrygon genus found naturally in South America. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Freshwater stingrays, unlike other fishes, do not have scales and are covered only by a layer of skin that secretes a thin layer of mucus for protection. Directly behind the eyes are spiracles, which are openings that allow for respiration. Freshwater stingrays should not be characterized as aggressive creatures. The rays eyes and spiracles (gill inlets) are sited on top of the fishs body so that they can stay hiding under the sand, waiting for prey to appear. The unborn young are ovoviviparous, meaning they are nourished by egg yolk inside the mother's body. 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. Eclipse Stingray 2. Most South American species have colorful dorsal patterns that feature spots of different sizes and background colorings of gray, brown or black. The amount of tannins in their native habitat lead them to prefer slightly acidic water. They will need feeding at least once or twice a day. Freshwater stingrays produce a relatively large amount of ammonia when compared to their body size, so keeping their water clean is crucial. Keep reading for the definitive guide to keeping these beautiful, enigmatic freshwater fish. If the ray shows no interest in food, dont buy it. 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. Freshwater stingrays are notorious for increasing the bioload in the tank tremendously. Stingrays, like their names suggest, have stingers. 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. When the barbs are shed, they are still poisonous and remain dangerous for several days. That means they almost exclusively consume meat. What do Stingrays eat in a fish tank? Sex : Males (36 available) They are very inquisitive fish with definite minds of their own! Stingrays usually find security in the substrate at the bottom of the tank. Rays like to burrow down into the substrate, so fine sand is essential. So what do you need to keep a tank of happy healthy stingrays? Indeed, these pets can literally chew their entire meal out, leaving all the important nutritive values intact. Otherwise, freshwater stingrays are very peaceful and can have very personable characters, making them an absolute joy to keep. We hope youve found this article fun and informative. Stingrays are extremely sensitive to water conditions, especially to ammonia, nitrite, and nitrates. Tropical reptiles and small mammals are often traded internationally and may be victims of the illegal pet trade. 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. If you find yourself being suitable to offer all the necessary conditions for freshwater stingrays to thrive, you certainly will not be sorry for adopting one or two. Therefore, a fine sand substrate might be the best solution possible. The most common of the lot, the Ocellate river stingray, sometimes called the Motoro, is a great stingray to start with. This fish can detect the electric field of a nearby animal, thus helping it to catch its prey more easily. However, in captivity, the stinging barbs are periodically shed and replaced by new ones. Your email address will not be published. Mating occurs year-round so there is no need to wait for a specific season. Therefore, they will usually avoid getting into conflict with those fish that do not fit into their mouth and will most likely simply ignore them, but they will happily ingest any fish which is just of the right size to become its meal. However, the majority seen for sale in the US come from South America. 10 Fun & Interesting Facts About Freshwater Stingray, Freshwater Stingray Types 10 Varieties of Potamotrygon, Freshwater Stingray Tank Mates 10 Best Compatible Fish. Hence, it is best to keep them at or close to zero. 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. Freshwater stingrays are carnivores, feeding mostly on fish and crustaceans in the wild. As we've mentioned earlier, the freshwater stingray is a carnivore. Class: Elasmobranchii (sharks and rays) Max. 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. 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. A sting from the barb of a freshwater ray is excruciating and much more potent than saltwater rays. Most of the bottom-dwelling rays will feed using an ambush technique. To mimic this, we usually keep our stingrays in the pH range of 6.5 6.8. Fishtankadvisor.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Your tank heater must have a guard fitted around it. Also, we advise that you dont buy any recently acquired rays. Freshwater stingrays are as good as any pet fishes you may crave. These fish come from South America, specifically the Orinoco, Amazon, Mearim, and Ro de la Plata river basins. As they grow large, theyll need NO LESS than three by five feet worth of floorspace available to them. As a stingray keeper, it is essential to always keep an eye out for their stinger no matter how calm the situation might be. 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. Recent years have even seen commercial pellets being developed, especially for bottom-dwelling carnivores. When choosing the most suitable pets for their home, many aquarium enthusiasts look for those animals which are perhaps a bit unusual, rare or special in any other way. After each feeding, we vacuum and remove the remaining food in the tank. However, there is a small group of 33 species that exclusively reside in freshwater. That meant that the fish were stressed and often carried diseases and parasites. Most injuries to ray keepers are accidental and can be avoided if you take care not to frighten, harass, or stress your rays. This gives her the chance to relax and offers the pups a better chance at survival. You will very likely fall in love with them. Suzy Sue. Despite their many similarities with sharks, these delicate animals prey on the notorious sea predator. However, unless you have lots of space and time for this project, breeding rays in captivity is difficult. These rays are also close cousins of sawfish and sharks. Their natural environment usually consists of a deep layer of substrate, fallen trees, and leaf litter. Home Freshwater Stingrays Freshwater Stingray Care, Facts, Profile & More. If a barb breaks off in your skin, you must consult your doctor or get to the emergency room. Although docile creatures, they inflict more human injuries yearly than any other animal in Amazonian rivers. size: 100 cm WD / 39 inches WD 15 Kg. Origins While there are some exceptions to this rule, most of their diet should only consist of animal matter. They have an unusual reproductive method where they lay their eggs on the bottom of the water and then the male fertilizes them by swimming over them. Ammonia and nitrite have to be at zero at all times, while nitrate levels should never exceed 10ppm. They enjoy live food portions containing white fish, but they actually seem to prefer invertebrates, so including these into their regular diet will certainly make them happy. Galaxy P14 Stingray pairs $ 1,400.00 $ 1,350.00 Sale! These spectacular creatures are really peaceful pets, and you should either aggressively bother your pet or to step on it in order for it to sting you. Stingrays belong to a family of fishes that are related to sharks. Each spine has grooves underneath that contain protein-based venom. Ammonia . Breeding freshwater stingrays in captivity is not a mission impossible, but it is rather hard to achieve. 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). In contrast, others migrate between ocean, brackish, and freshwater environments, searching for food from Mexico north to the Chesapeake Bay. Freshwater stingrays can accept a relatively wide spectrum of parameters as long as theyre kept consistent. The claspers will look like pointed extensions of the pelvic fin. But, once again, they are not a good fit for everyone. And freshwater stingrays are exactly one of those super-unique fish to brag about. The freshwater stingray can be an elusive species for many hobbyists. These friendly, fascinating creatures are becoming an increasingly common sight in specialty fish stores and online. However, hobbyists and keepers have now bred these fish to an extent where there is no more need to obtain specimens from the wild. If you can afford the space, the best option is probably adopting some more stingrays. However, these cannot really offer the natural stimulus which these creatures need to thrive. White sturgeon fecundity increases with size. In a zoological setting, stingrays are provided with plenty of swimming space. Unlike other public aquariums, visitors cannot touch the stingrays at the Zoo, because they are capable of stinging; the Zoo does not cap, trim or surgically remove the stingrays' spines. Their tails can reach up to 1 foot (30.5 centimeters) in length and an inch wide (2.5 centimeters). Size: 7 inches Other than that, your stingray pet will be a rather peaceful one, and will often try interacting with you and your family members. Ask the vendor to show you the ray eating. A peptide mix of pain-inflicting agents is produced in juvenile rays, while adult fish use inflammatory proteins that cause tissue necrosis. Stingrays do not tolerate mistakes well, and it would be best to remember that. Having a handle on these matters beforehand will greatly increase your chances of succeeding with these spectacular fishes. Please always ask a veterinarian for help regarding your pets. We remember being in awe many years ago when they first appeared. Freshwater Stingray, The Best Pet Fish? This page may contain affiliate links, which will earn us a commission. Also, once they reach maturity, they can basically breed again as soon as they bring life to the previous babies. Although the barbs dont contain nerve endings and removing them is not thought to cause pain, the experience is undoubtedly stressful for the fish. Choose an in-line design or put the heater in a sump so that the rays dont burn themselves. Although these fish prefer low-flow water, a higher turnover rate will reduce the bioload in the tank. Atlantic stingrays are native to the US. Quality Freshwater Stingray Fishes Available for Sale 1. The process can get relatively violent but is entirely natural. Since 2002, the Zoo has been highly successful in breeding freshwater stingrays. Jamie Wheatley. Uruguay, Paran-Paraguay, Orinoco, and Amazon River basins. When it comes to freshwater stingrays, there are more types from which to choose, and we are sharing ten of the most interesting below. As long as the stinger barbs are removed promptly, your fish will be fine. 5 talking about this. 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. The male will sometimes swim inverted to get into a better position to insert his claspers. Members are our strongest champions of animal conservation and wildlife research. 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. As all stingrays, freshwater versions of the species also feature a venomous barb. Since RayFever.com Is based in South Africa and the only large-scale Fresh Water Stingray breeder. This behavior can seem quite violent when the male will bite and chew at the females body. When you become a member, you also receive exclusive benefits, like special opportunities to meet animals, discounts at Zoo stores and more. 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. Freshwater stingrays can grow to have a disc width of about 18 inches (46 centimeters). Most people living alone have fish tanks with different types of fish, and freshwater stingrays are proving an emerging favorite among fish lovers. 5 ways to know if its a safe treat to give your dog! The water pH should be in the range of 6.8 to 7.6, with an alkalinity between 1 and 4. So, you will need a large tank with powerful filtration to house one of these beauties. Most owners also opt to feed their stingrays just enough to keep them full for a few hours since they are very messy eaters. Next, the pH level of such water should be from 6,8 to 7,6 while the alkalinity can range anywhere from 18ppm and 70ppm. The freshwater stingray is a very large fish and, by all accounts, should only be raised by experienced keepers who understand their needs. The size they reach in the aquarium is directly related to the amount of food they get. Female stingrays are capable of giving birth to 1--12 pups with each pregnancy. Freshwater rays are flesh-eaters that feed mainly with fish and crustaceans in the wild. The wound itself might not be severe, but the surrounding tissue could die as a potentially very dangerous side effect of a sting. Freshwater stingrays prefer less salty waters, and can be found in rivers across Australia, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Most often, though, they like to take the easy way out and hunt for stationary food items like clams and worms that hide in the substrate bed. BUY WITH CONFIDENCE!! Its thought that all freshwater stingray species are livebearers. Usually considered the ultimate aquarium stingray, the Potamotrygon Leopoldi is even more majestic than its P12 counterparts. Caring For Freshwater Stingrays Stingrays can be fun to keep, and they do make great interactive pets. Whatsapp: +1 (469) 334-3496 You can expect to pay up to $250 for one of these beautiful rays. Freshwater stingrays live in the Amazon River system and are one of the only rays inhabiting freshwater rather than saltwater. The giant freshwater stingray ( Himantura chaophraya) is like the Mekong giant catfish, one of the world's biggest and heaviest freshwater fish species. Most of the freshwater stingrays we see today originate from the Amazon basin in particular the Potamotrygon family, which weve mentioned earlier. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. As their name implies, they live in fresh water in the Amazon. Freshwater Stingray Freshwater Stingray Grid List Sale! More often than not, rays are thought of as saltwater creatures and many are surprised to discover that they also live in freshwater. A robust biological filtration system is perhaps the most essential piece of equipment you can have when keeping freshwater stingrays. They love spending their time at the tank bottoms, waiting for their food and exploring their territory. These can be shrimp, mussels, bloodworms and similar, but you can also offer your pet some occasional land insects such as crickets. About one litter of two to six pups is produced yearly. Some species can give birth to more pups than others, and larger females tend to have larger litters. Freshwater stingrays are also very sensitive to ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. The young stingrays are initially placed in 150-gallon "nursery tanks" until they reach a size where they can defend themselves, whereupon they are moved to a larger pool. Tiger River rays are quite popular in the trade, although not much is known about them. For the. 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. If you intend to keep a Motoro, make sure you have adequate tank space. After this, they can be removed and placed in a grow-out tank. Freshwater stingrays are not considered to be aggressive creatures, but they still are purely carnivorous. Mothers very rarely eat their pups. Following are some points to consider before purchasing your first freshwater stingray. These are from the family Potamotrygonidae. 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