Freshwater Stingrays

The South American freshwater stingrays are listed into 2 families, namely Potamotrygonidae and Dasyatidae. These freshwater stingrays Potamotrygonidae are completely adaptable for living exclusively in freshwater environments. In their origin habitat, they are widely dispersed within the Amazon Basin of Brazil, Peru as well as Colombia.

Freshwater stingrays have sophisticated biological and environmental characteristics which are not favorable in adapting extreme change. These aquatic creatures are unable to hold urea, due to the absence of sodium excretion rectal gland. A very specific habitat condition is required with low tolerance water salinity ideally not more than 3 ppt for them to thrive. This creature is highly sensitive to water condition and ideally kept in between PH level of 6.0 to 7.0. Adequate dissolve oxygen in the water is required for them to grow well in an aquarium. They have the ability to hover to the water surface when the bottom has insufficient of dissolved oxygen. This is also a tell tale sign that the stingray is in stress. Their predatory instinct ranks them as one of the top predators in the river ecology system. In their natural habitats they eat mainly fishes, worms together with small crustaceans. While the captive breed stingrays accustomed well with chopped frozen shrimp, fish and even pellets.

A healthy stingray consumed a lot and never stop eating when food is introduced. At times, when the stingray is stressed due to various reasons, will eventually cease eating. It is advised to identify the cause and take appropriate actions.Fasting stingray displays protruding pelvic bones near to the tail region. Death is certain within a short period of time when stingray stops consuming food totally.

All freshwater stingrays have reproductive system called Matrotrophic Viviparity which require internal fertilization to occur.The gestation period is known to last between 90 to 120 days. During this period, the embryo receives nourish food provided by the mother. They do have a remarkable adaption for maternal care and give birth to several pups in single delivery.

The high demand for black rays in early to mid 2000’s surged up among hobbyists and due to the fact that export ban imposed by the Brazil government on a few species of freshwater stingray has prompted a handful of hobbyists and commercial farms turn to breeding black rays in Asia. Premium quality captive breed Black Diamond stingrays are sold in pairs. If you are planning to get one or a pair of exotic stingrays for your collection, be prepared to house them in a big tank with a preferred 36 inches width or bigger. A good set up should consist of UV filter, aerate pump, PH monitor and a powerful filtration system. These remarkable tank busters, particular females eventually outgrew many other tank mates.