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how to move a stingray 10/5/09
Hi crew,
I'm in need of some advice. I have a stingray pup (teacup) in a 55 gal
aquarium. I've purchased a 240 gal to be its home as soon as i get it
placed and cycled.
Do you have any experience/advice on how to capture the little guy when
it comes time to move it. I was considering putting a container in the
tank large enough for the stingray to swim into, baiting it with food,
and
removing it once the stingray enters. I've read that it is not advisable
to net them. Do you know how they are captured in the wild?
<Yes... mostly in large fence and cast nets, some on barb-less hook and
line. I would use a large, softer netted, metal handled net in your
case.
Keep your hands clear. Bob Fenner>
Thank you
Pat
Stingrays, Eels, and Brackish
Water Fish... sel., sys... – 06/10/09
Hello Crew,
I'm in need of some advice about what tank mates are most suitable for a
Stingray.
<Depends on the Stingray; but for the Amazonian species (usually
Potamotrygon spp.) they're best kept with docile midwater fish:
Osteoglossum spp. Arowanas, tinfoil barbs, Panaque spp. catfish, Oscars,
etc.>
I'm going to get a custom made tank (3' wide 2' tall 4' long) I hope
this will be big enough!
<The rule of thumb is that the tank should be at least twice as wide,
front to back, as the maximum disc diameter of the species in question.
So a tank measuring 3 feet front to back would be adequate for a species
up to 18 inches disc diameter. That said, four feet length is really not
much space at all, and you would be very well advised to get something
around the 6 foot mark in this regard. Depth doesn't matter at all.
There are some excellent books on Stingrays, including a very
inexpensive one published by Barron's, "Freshwater Stingrays" by Richard
Ross. I'd heartily recommend spending the $8.99 on this book before
spending the $100s if not $1000s on the Stingray and what it needs.>
If I do fw I'm looking to put in 5 Silver dollars, 1 Fire Eel and a
Stingray.
<Fine.>
If I do bw I'm looking to put in a Stingray and a Monoray Eel, please
advise me if this will be ok, if not can you please give me a list of fw
and bw that will be compatible with my Stingrays.
<Amazonian Stingrays are not brackish water fish, so can't be kept with
such tankmates. Asian freshwater Stingrays are often brackish water
species. These are typically Himantura spp., or family Dasyatidae at the
least. These could be mixed with robust but non-aggressive brackish
water fish: monos, archerfish, Siamese tigerfish, large sleeper gobies,
etc.>
Thank you in advance
Brittney
<Cheers, Neale.>
Hi. Question on type of
stingray 5/17/09
Hi. I need your expert advice :P I just ordered a Motoro stingray
online. I have been wanting one for over a year now and finally got up
enough
courage to 'just go for it'. I have a 250 gallon tank with discus, knife
fish and an ornate.
<Do make sure you quarantine the Stingray in its own tank before adding
to this collection of fish; I'd be worried that a Stingray would starve
in
this tank. Yes, Stingrays can be mixed with other fish *once feeding*,
but the tricky bit is getting them to that point.>
I have a few plants but mainly open space in preparation for my Motoro.
I'm just wondering if you think I made the right decision because I was
also looking at a hystrics.
<Potamotrygon hystrix.>
I wanted the hystrics because it stays small but I wanted the Motoro
because of its cool patterns. The Motoro I will be getting will be 8' in
diameter which isn't big at all but wondering how long you think it ll
be happy in my 250 gallon?
<It's not the volume really, it's the front to back width that matters;
disc width is typically 40-50 cm, so the aquarium should measure at
least
80-100 cm front to back. If that's the case, you're fine! If not, then
an upgrade will be on the cards...>
Also another reason why I didn't get the hystrics is because the person
selling it said it is 8-9 inches 'across' which didn't make sense to me
because they only get 15 inches in diameter. Also the picture she has
doesn't look like ones I've seen of hystrics- hers is like a flat brown
color. The ones I've seen have some pattern on it and a striped/ringed
tail- which she describes in her ad but then she says the picture is
what I
will be getting (confused). Here's her ad-
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270391625144&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:US:1123
<Stingray colouration does vary; but if all else fails, use Fishbase,
and compare the photos to the gallery of photographs presented there.
http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?ID=13098&genusname=Potamotrygon&speciesname=hystrix>
Can you please tell me your opinion and is it true stingrays like salt
added to their water??
<Who told you this? None of the Potamotrygonidae likes salt in the water
on a permanent basis. In fact they prefer fairly soft water with low
mineral
content. That this seller is calling these fish "hardy" would ring all
kinds of alarm bells for me; Potamotrygon hystrix is "hardy" in about
the same way as an ice cube is "long lasting" in the Sahara!>
Thank you so much
Christina
<Please, there are numerous inexpensive books on Stingrays: read one
before spending any money. The questions you're asking are fairly
elementary ones, and because Stingrays are so delicate and frankly easy
to kill, it's important you have all these facts at your fingertips. Sad
to say, in a crisis, by the time anyone at WWM could get around to
answering your query, a Stingray could be dead! Take things slowly, read
everything you can *from
printed, reputable sources* and then enjoy your Stingray! They are
fantastic fish. Good luck, Neale.>
Re: Hi.
Question on type of stingray 05/19/09
Thank You so much. I had a saltwater stingray before I recently switched
to freshwater which was easy to care for.
<Hmm... not sure you'll find a freshwater ray any easier to keep than a
saltwater one, to be honest.>
But now that I have freshwater I just wanted to be certain. I will
continue to read information on the Motoro and will do my best to care
for
him.
<Cool.>
Thanks again
Christina
<Most welcome.>
Re: Hi.
Question on type of stingray 05/19/09
One last question- Can a Motoro and a hystrix live together?
Thanks again
Christina
<It's generally not recommended to mix different species -- especially
different sized species -- together because of issues with aggression
and
competition for food. Some expert fishkeepers may do from time to time,
but I'd get the hang of the foibles of one species first, before making
things
difficult. Cheers, Neale.>
Stingray toxicity to humans
10/24/07
Hello
<Hi there>
I was thinking about getting a blue spotted ray and have read on your web site
if you are stung that you could have a allergic reaction. How dangerous are they
and what percent of the people getting stung have a bad reaction?
<Mmm, folks with allergens to proteinaceous stings might be in trouble... how
much, how many? I don't know. Much collateral damage is done physically with
such injuries....>
I have read about the blue ring octopus, it's nothing like that is it, or is it
more like a lionfish sting.
<More toward the Lion end of the scale>
What kind of ray would you recommend that's not to toxic, if the blue spotted
is?
<One of the non-stingray ray species... See WWM, the Net, Scott Michael's
popular cartilaginous fishes book re. Rays are not easily kept BTW... as you
will find by reading. Bob Fenner>
Thanks Todd
Freshwater Stingrays 2/26/07
Greetings Crew,
Is it possible to provide an accurate list of the species of Freshwater
Stingrays that are currently banned?
<Mmm, in California, the entire family (Potamotrygonidae) is banned... I think
the States that do ban one, ban all...>
I have found conflicting information on the internet, and it looks like you
can get hold of just about anything if your wallet is thick enough.
<?... a problem in this world...>
I am always looking to add to my collection, and want to do what is
environmentally sound.
Much thanks in advance,
Amy
<I am in agreement with your philosophy, attitude... And hasten to add that most
FW rays get too big for home/hobbyist use, and that they are venomous... Re the
issue of legality, I encourage anyone interested to check at their State's
level... likely this info. is available on the Net... "Your State" Fish and
Game" or such. Bob Fenner>
F/W Stingrays 1/5/07
Hi,
This will be my fist time keeping F/W Stingrays and I was wondering how
much they usually cost.
<Have seen some about in various U.S. States for a few tens of dollars in 07
buck values... to several tens of dollars>
I also was wondering if it would be okay for the ray if I kept it alone
instead of in a group because some of the sites I read said to keep them in a
group of 3 to 5.
<Can be kept individually>
And also, what type of F/W stingray would be best for a first time ray
keeper? Email me at as soon as possible okay.
Bye,
Jacob
<Please read here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/fwstingrays.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>
Re: F/W Stingrays, Sel. 1/6/07
Hi,
It's me again and I was wondering if you knew if F/W Stingrays are allowed in
Alabama ?
Bye,
Jacob
<Mmm, I don't know... Potamotrygonids are still outlawed in CA as far as I'm
aware. Simple for you to check... Look on the Net for the AL "Fish and Game" and
either read through their posted statutes and/or contact them with this
question. Bob Fenner>
Fresh Water Stingray??? 7/30/06
Hi there!
<Howdy>
I have a simple question concerning my tank. My 250 gallon freshwater tank
currently is home to one young stingray (male), a pair of angels, and four
smallish starter fish. I have been working with an upscale marine specialty
store to obtain a mate (female ray) for my male. Today, they obtained a full
grown red-blotched ray from a individual who is no longer able to care for her.
She is almost twice the size of my male, but in excellent health.
My question is what should I expect to pay for her? They claim they don't really
want to make a profit on her, but they gave the previous owner a credit for her,
so I would expect to pay what she is worth. She is truly a beautiful creature.
<Mmm, not able to say... I would ask them... offer to pay the credit plus...>
Also, what should I be aware of when introducing her to tank, any advise? Or
precautions?
<None that aren't posted on WWM>
I am assuming my 250 is suitable as the owner of the store came by today to
inspect the tank to ensure she would be going to a good home.
Much Appreciation,
Amy
<For a time. Bob Fenner>
Buy freshwater stingray 7/15/06
Dear Sir,
Hello, I am Ferry Wibowo from Indonesia
I will order freshwater Stingrays from Brazil
do you have these species :
1. Potamotrygon Leopoldi ( Black Ray ( Polkadot) )
2. Potamotrygon Henlei ( Black Ray ( P. Henlei ) )
3. Potamotrygon Histrix ( Histrix )
4. Potamotrygon Castexi ( Otorongo ( Pintard ) )
5. Potamotrygon Menchacai ( Tiger Stringray )
6. Potamotrygon Bracyura ( Ahaia Grandy )
7. Plesiotrygon Iwamae ( Antenna Ray )
8. Potamotrygon Reticulata ( Teacup Stingray )
Please give me the special price and exact measurement
How's the maximum length of each species?
<Mmm, we don't sell livestock... You can find information on the maximum
size of these Potamotrygonids on fishbase.org. Bob Fenner>
Thank you and we are looking forwards to your prompt reply.
Best regards
Ferry Wibowo
Info on T cup stingray
Hi,
I'm considering purchasing a freshwater stingray. Could you give some
information on these beautiful animals? I currently have a 50 gallon
community tank with Bala sharks, tetras, ghost catfish, a Cory, and 2
Plecos. Thanks
Jeff Lawson
<Thanks for the prompting... Wrote a review of this group (the family
Potamotrygonidae... I'll place this article and the accompanying images on
the www.WetWebMedia.com site later today (or tomorrow when I move off this
FAQ onto the new (to be made) FAQs pages on FW Stingrays...
These South Americans can be gotten and kept... but most get pretty big for
captive use... and a fifty is small... and it will be eating your other
fishes... Bob Fenner>
Freshwater Sting Rays
Hi Robert,
I am writing from the South West of England and have recently found out about
fresh water stingrays in particular the Motoro. Is this a good choice for
beginners?
<Mmm, not really... venomous... needs quite large quarters (a square meter of
bottom space really... subject to damage, bacterial infections. Please read
here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/fwstingrays.htm
>
We have always kept tropical fish but would like something a little less
ordinary! I have heard that you need 1 meter square per Ray is this enough?
<Wow! I must be getting on... talk about coincidence of "pat answers">
How hard are they too look after? What sort of money is a good price to pay?
<I would rather direct you to more suitable, hardier "oddball" aquatic
livestock. Please do read through the WetWebMedia.com site here... write if
there is a group missing (there are many), and I'll get on to it>
If you would be kind enough to help me out with this info it would be much
appreciated.
Best regards,
Nathan Potts.
<Be chatting my friend. Bob Fenner>
"Lookin' for (fw) Rays in all the right places..."
Can you give me information on where I can purchase a freshwater ray? We
live in TN
<Mmm, you might get lucky by asking your local fish shops if they can special
order you one... Otherwise, there are etailers that deal in odd/rarer aquatics
you can contact via the Net. Do read the survey piece and FAQs we have stored on
the family here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/fwstingrays.htm
Bob Fenner>
A question of ethics regarding freshwater stingrays...
Hello again Bob!
I'm sorry I've become such a pest - hopefully you don't view me as such. I had a
disappointing experience at Wal-Mart a few weeks ago. They had an empty tank
that was labeled "baby freshwater stingrays".
<What? I'm very surprised... that this retail chain would carry such animals.>
I inquired about them, since I was surprised that Wal-Mart would carry such
livestock. The employee said that the stingrays sell so fast, that they're
hardly ever in stock (which is good, I suppose, since the tank in which they're
kept is about the size of a shoe box). The next week, a co-worker and fellow
hobbyist told me she bought one of the stingrays the previous night, on a whim
(she had a 40-gallon tank that was ready for livestock).
<Arrgghhh!>
I gave her my lecture on buying livestock at our Wal-Mart (horrible conditions,
at least two dead fish in every tank at all times, and uneducated, unconcerned
employees in the pet section), and further expressed concern to her about
Wal-Mart stocking these animals (which she identified as Potamotrygon orbignyi
after I showed her your article on freshwater rays). Of course it was too late,
and the ray happened to die a week later. (Please note that I am not commenting
on the Pet Section Employees in ALL Wal-Mart stores, but merely on my numerous
experiences with the one store in my area.)
<I understand. Friends of mine (the Bailey brothers here in San Diego) told me
years back that Wal-Mart was their biggest customer. Will be sending this note
off to them as well as WMT corporate... Not smart... touchy, venomous organisms
being offered by such an icon of commerce>
I really want to do something to influence our Wal-Mart to stop selling these
animals. My reasons are these:
1.) In my opinion, Wal-Mart shouldn't sell fish if the employees know nothing
about them. These are live animals and deserve to be cared for correctly.
2.) Wal-Mart doesn't provide adequate space to house their fish, and this
results in a high death rate. They also buy their fish from apparently
less-than-reputable suppliers, and I'd be willing to bet that 25% of their
livestock shows up with signs of disease and is still put in the display tanks.
3.) Given the reasons above, if this store can't keep a tank full of guppies
healthy, then they shouldn't be selling freshwater rays.
4.) As your article states, freshwater rays are venomous. The employees are not
aware of this, and therefore the customer is not informed. I would think the
very least they could do is let the customer know that he or she is about to
purchase a venomous animal. Not only would it be safer for the customer and
allow him or her to make a more informed decision about the purchase, but I
would think Wal-Mart would like to cover their own
"posterior" in the case of a lawsuit resulting from an injury. People seeing
these rays in the store usually know nothing about them, and may assume that
they're as user-friendly as most of the other fish sold there.
<Agreed, of course... no one should be doing this. Wal-Mart's corporate contact
information: :
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Bentonville, Arkansas 72716-8611
If you're a customer, call 1-800-WAL-MART
If you're an investor or analyst, call 501-273-8446
If you're a journalist, call 501-273-4314
The message I sent them: Are you folks really offering Freshwater Stingrays for
sale to the public? Not a good idea on a few counts... they're not hardy, easily
lost... and quite venomous. Please see the coverage, FAQs posted on this family
of fishes on our website: http://wetwebmedia.com/fwstingrays.htm
Bob Fenner>
Do I have reason for concern?
<You do as a human, citizen, concerned individual, possible shareholder...>
What would be the best course of action?
<Write, call their offices. This company is blessed with some of the best minds,
people in business... It is no "accident" that they are the best, largest
companies of their genre.>
Thank you in advance for any insight you may have.
Sincerely,
Gina
<Will be investigating. Bob Fenner>
A question of ethics regarding freshwater stingrays... an incident of
their sale at Wal-Mart?
I spoke with Nevin Bailey (a supplier to WMT, located in San Diego,
California). He assures me that Wal-Mart does not, would not sell anything
dangerous to the public. They don't offer reptiles, even hamsters/guinea pigs...
for this same set of rationale... And definitely the family is illegal to
import/export in many States...
Bob Fenner
Re: A question of ethics regarding freshwater stingrays...
Hi Bob!
Thanks for the update and for taking part in the pursuit of this matter. I'm
confused, though - is it possible this store in my area "slipped through the
cracks" in selling this particular species?
<Very doubtful, but Nevin Bailey (a supplier to WMT) did mention this
possibility... These are NOT part of the 89 sku's that are corporate approved...
Perhaps some "loose cannon" saw a deal, wanted to wow and zow folks at "their"
fish department/location... Real trouble if so.>
I plan on pursuing it as soon as I can make a good I.D. on the animal. I may try
to snap a picture so I can get your opinion. In the meantime, I am going to make
a respectful comment to Wal-Mart's national customer service line about the
overall lousy condition of the livestock in our area's store. Once again, thank
you so much for your support.
Sincerely,
Gina
<Be chatting... and do look at "Today's FAQs":
http://wetwebmedia.com/dailyq&a.htm
(hopefully get to soon) re Nevin's input. Bob Fenner>
Freshwater Tank Set-Up
Hi,
<Hello!>
I have a 180 gallon tank well decorated with large lava rocks and 1/4 inch
gravel. There is 12 inches of head room and 12 inches of room in the front of
the tank. The reason being is that I raised two silver Arowanas from 2 inches in
size with their sacs to over 2&1/2 feet in size easily just making regular water
changes. After 5 years one of my Arowanas got sick from some internal illness
and died. The other Arowana couldn't handle the change became very jumpy and
committed suicide breaking the over head glass ending up on the floor. Because I
got rid of all my other fish for the ever growing Arowanas, I found myself with
no fish. After a two year break I want to start up a new tank with one Arowana,
fire eel, l lung fish, Polypterus (if I find the colorful one I want). The
difference being is that I want to add a stingray (small species), I willing to
change the gravel to sand and leave 18 inches of space in front of the tank. I'm
would like to know if this setup is suitable for the ray, the reason I'm keeping
the rocks is I really want eels in my tank. If you don't think the ray will have
enough room I'll let the ray go and concentrate on the other fish.
<Rick, IMO a ray is a bad choice all the way around. Yes they are gorgeously
menacing, but these guys don't live long in captivity regardless of the setup.
Keeping rays is an exercise in frustration for most all hobbyist...unless you
are really willing to go the extra mile, I suggest...skip the ray. David
Dowless>
thanks a lot. Rick
<You're welcome! David Dowless>
Freshwater stingrays (not in CA)
I am interested in buying 2 freshwater sting rays...can you help me by any
chance but I live in California... any thing near hear??
<As far as I'm aware the family Potamotrygonidae is still illegal to possess (or
sell) in California. Bob Fenner>
MI Rays
hello I live in Michigan and I was wondering whether not freshwater
stingrays were illegal or not here please e-mail
thanks
CJ
<Don't know, but do know where to check. Your State Fish and Game. Likely have a
website, can contact them through this if they don't have a list of illegals
posted... Potamotrygonids are legal in many states. Bob Fenner>
FW Stingrays
Hi,
First I would like thank you for your advice and answers in the past. My
question is are FW stingrays legal in Cali?
< No, Sorry. And there is a big fine too if you are caught.-Chuck>
My former elementary school has an interest in setting up a stingray tank, since
it is their mascot. I have own FW and reef tanks but have never owned stingrays
and do not know much about them, although I have read the section about FW
stingrays on this website. If you don't know then perhaps where could I find
this information? Thanks!
-Alex
First Freshwater Stingray, Selection - 10/17/2005
I was wondering what ray would be best suited for a beginner and would work
in a 110 gallon tank
<In my opinion, none are suited to this size/shape tank, if this is a "common"
110 - 48" by 19" footprint, roughly.>
and I was planning on housing it with a royal Pleco (Panaque nigrolineatus) and
5 Sorubim lima. I am currently looking at Potamotrygon leopoldi. Any other
suggestions would be helpful.
<You might possibly get by with something like Potamotrygon scobina, which
reportedly stays closer to 12" to 14".... But I would absolutely not, in a
system with a footprint anything less than 48" by 24". Preferably larger.
Wishing you well, -Sabrina>
First Freshwater Stingray, Selection - II - 10/18/2005
The tank that I am buying has the following dimensions 48" long 24" wide and
18" high, if that helps.
<Mm, somewhat.... I would not put leopoldi in this system, to be sure, but you
might be able to get by with a single P. scobina. It would be better to have it
in a larger system, though; after discussing with Bob, he recommends a 72" by
24" tank, so you might consider upgrading in the near future at least. Wishing
you well, -Sabrina>
Illegal Rays? - 11/22/2005
Could you tell me if freshwater stingrays are illegal in Georgia?
<You will need to find that out through your local (Georgia) wildlife or fish
and game department.>
If they are what requirements must be met to keep them?
<If they ARE illegal to own/sell/etc., again, you'll need to find out through
the government body that regulates them. I know in California it's essentially
impossible for an "average Joe" (including myself) to obtain a permit for
keeping these animals. Major bummer.>
Thanks in advance.
<Wishing you well, -Sabrina>
Freshwater Stingrays, Sabrina's Envy - 12/15/2005
Around 6 moths ago after 15 years of fish keeping I decided to try
freshwater stingrays.
<I envy you. Deeply. You've no idea how much I love these animals, wish I
could keep, breed.... Not in California. Sigh.>
The most frequently available and affordable to were Potamotrygon reticulatus.
<Beautiful.>
I set up a 6' x 2' x 18" high tank filter using 2 canister filters - an Eheim
2213 and a Fluval 304) with a sand substrate about 1/2" thick. The pH was and
still is 7, temp 80degrees C, ammonia zero and nitrates controlled with weekly
water changes.
<Nitrite, I trust, is zero as well.>
About mid June I purchased 2 Retics (only males were available) about (XX)" dia
<Unfortunately, portions of your email are garbled.... the lettering I can
figure out, but this is impossible for me with your numbering, unfortunately;
not sure what happened here.>
and settled them into the tank with the intention of getting 2 females at a
later date. These 2 males settled within the hour and were eating earthworms the
same day.
<Wow, excellent!>
About the end of October the shop finally got more retics in and I got (XX)
<Same trouble....>
females again about 2" dia. The males are now about (XX)5"-4"
<I'm assuming this is 3.5-4 inches? Blast this webmail....>
and the females were added to the same tank.
<Yikes! I'd've quarantined the newcomers, to be sure.... there's just SO much
that can go wrong with rays....>
Although I could see no problems between the rays the 2 new females have not
settled like the males and do not seem to be eating anything I put in the tank.
<VERY bad news.... At this tiny, tiny size, they may not make it without food
urgently....>
I have tried blood/earth worm, prawn, mussels, flake, tablet and I have even
tried Live deformed Endler's guppies (which is normally a big no no for me) all
without success.
<Try live bloodworms, failing that, try live blackworms.>
I am now at a stage where I have placed a divider in the tank as one female is
extremely skinny (hollow in the head and showing pectoral bones) and the other
seem not as bad but fear it will go the same way.
<Very, very dangerous....>
I feel the possible mistake has been adding them at different times and if so
then lesson learned as I feel I will lose these 2 females.
<I fear you may.... The urgent lesson here is QUARANTINE your
newcomers.... Not only to protect your existing, healthy stock, but to help the
newcomers chill out and eat.>
Sorry for the length of this mail but the more info u
<Not 'u', 'you'.... we have to correct these for posting on the site.>
have the less speculation you will need to make.
<Quite correct. Thank you for the detailed info.>
If you can help or advise it would be appreciated.
<I would advise removing the females to a separate quarantine system if possible
- and NEVER add to your main tank without a four week quarantine for new
rays. If these girlies don't make it, I will also *strongly* advise that you
start with slightly larger specimens next time, and make the shop owner show you
the animals eating prior to purchase - if they don't eat, don't buy.>
Thanks, Stuart, Scotland.
<Thank you very much for sharing, Stuart - Keep up hope, and try to get some
live bloodworms or live blackworms into these girlies. If you get them to eat,
keep them eating - get 'em fattened up a bit before you wean them off onto dead
or prepared foods. All the best to you, -Sabrina>
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