Freshwater Aquarium Stingrays
Keeping freshwater aquarium stingrays in your tank can be an incredibly rewarding process. Stingrays are similar to sharks and guitarfish in that they have have cartilaginous skeletons rather than bones. Although most stingrays are found in the ocean, there are a surprisingly wide range of freshwater stingrays available.
With the right setup it can be quite easy to maintain healthy and happy stingrays in your aquarium. However, when considering purchasing freshwater stingrays for your aquarium, it is important to take a number of things into account:
- You’ll need a tank that is large enough. Volume itself is not as important (since they will spend most of their time near the substrate) but the size does. For most fully grown stingrays you’ll need a tank that is 6+ feet in length. A 75 or 90 gallon tank might suffice for juveniles, but for keeping adult stingrays you’ll want a 200 gallon tank (at a minimum)
- You’ll need to maintain a water temperature of around 76-82 degrees Fahrenheit. For this, considering the tank size, you’ll need a good quality aquarium heater.
- The substrate should be of a sandy nature. The shipwreck aquarium might also have to go – you’ll want to ensure there are no sharp edges and also to maximize the surface area of your tank.
- You’ll need a high quality water filter that is the correct size for your aquarium. Stingrays do not do well in dirty water. Further, they are very sensitive to ammonia, nitrates and nitrites.
- Their tankmates. Passive fish than utilize the middle and top of the tank are ideal.
Freshwater Stingrays for your Aquarium
Black Diamond Freshwater Stingray
The Black Diamond freshwater stingray is also known as the Polka Dot stingray (for obvious reasons). It originates from the rivers of central Brazil and can grow up to 2 feet in diameter. You’ll therefore need a large tank (at least 200 gallons) in order to house this stingray happily.
This stingray does best of a fully carnivorous diet. This isn’t a problem in itself, just be aware that you’ll need to both source and pay for this. And that they have high metabolisms so will need to be fed twice a day.
Freshwater Flower Stingray
The Flower Stingray, unsurprisingly, has a lovely flower shaped pattern on its back. It has a dark brown color overall, with light brown flower patterns. This freshwater aquarium stingray can grow up to 24 inches in size when kept in an aquarium.
Ocellate river stingray
The Ocellate river stingray (Potamotrygon motoro) is also known as the black eye stingray or the peacock stingray. It is a freshwater stingray and forms part of the Potamotrygonidae family.
The Ocellate river stingray can be found in a range of freshwater basins in South American including the Amazon basin. It is widely used in freshwater aquariums.
Galaxy Stingray
The Galaxy stingray is a sight to behold. It has a dark brown or black colors base, on top of which are a number of white spots. This gives the appearance similar to when you are looking up at the star on a cloudless night.
At full size, the Galaxy stingray make grow to just over 2 feet in width when kept as a freshwater aquarium stingray.
Mottled Stingray
The Mottled stingray is a great option for those whose tanks are on the smaller side of the suitable range. This is because they only grow to a little over 1 foot in width (rather than the two feet of many of the freshwater stingrays discussed in this article). But you’ll still need a tank that is around 6 feet in length.
Unlike the clean lines of many other stingrays the Mottled stingray’s colors tend to blend into each other. It is a range of brown shapes that disseminate over its body.
Mosaic Stingray
The Mosaic stingray is of similar size to the Mottled stingray. This freshwater aquarium stingray has a light brown color, covered by a mosaic pattern of darker brown shapes.
Marbled Motoro Stingray
A variant of the the Motoro stingray, the Marbled Motoro stingray is a sight to behold. In in wild is predominantly founds in the Rio Vichada in Columbia. Expect to pay $200-$250 for this stingray (certainly not the most expensive option!)
It can grow to around 20 inches in size, although you may find that it only reaches 16-18 inches when kept in a aquarium. The Marbled Motoro stingray has a bright (orange and light brown) marbling on top of its dark brown base. It really is an beautiful looking stingray for your freshwater aquarium.
What Do Stingrays Eat?
Freshwater stingrays are carnivores. Their exact preferred diet will vary based on how they were bred and raised. In the wild they feed on fish and crustaceans. However, those who has be bred in captivity and spent time there are more likely to accept pellet type food. Regardless, aim for a diet consisting of frozen bloodworms, earthworms and brine shrimp is a great place to start.
Buying Stingrays
One thing to note is that stingrays are somewhat protected around in the world. In the US a number of states either prohibit individuals from owning freshwater stingrays or require a permit. It is therefore important to check your local regulations (although your local pet shop should certainly be able to provide more information and point you in the correct direction if required).
Alternatively, if you decide that stingrays aren’t your favorite, you could always consider taking on freshwater aquarium eels or even a Hermit Crab!