Freshwater Stingray

Potamotrygon motoro

📍 South America

The Freshwater Stingray (Potamotrygon motoro) is a large, bottom-dwelling ray native to South American river systems, recognizable by its distinctive spotted pattern and venomous tail spine. These peaceful but impressive fish require spacious tanks with soft substrates and are best suited for experienced aquarists due to their specialized care requirements. They are solitary or can be kept in pairs but demand pristine water conditions and careful tank mate selection.

Size20"

Min Tank250g

peaceful

Zonebottom

Care Guide

Diet

Feed freshwater stingrays a carnivorous diet consisting of live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, shrimp, clams, and small fish. They are bottom feeders and will hunt for food in the substrate. Feed 2-3 times per week, adjusting portions based on size and activity level. Avoid overfeeding as these fish are prone to obesity.

Behavior

Freshwater stingrays are generally peaceful and solitary, spending most of their time on the tank bottom searching for food. They are nocturnal and more active during evening hours. These rays are sensitive to disturbance and sudden movements, and their venomous tail spine should be treated with respect—handle only when necessary and with proper precautions.

Breeding

Breeding freshwater stingrays in captivity is extremely difficult and rarely successful. They are ovoviviparous (live-bearing) and require very specific conditions including large tank space, stable water parameters, and compatible pairs. Most specimens in the aquarium hobby are wild-caught, making captive breeding impractical for most hobbyists.

Tank Mates

Surinamensis Corydoras

Bottom-dwelling catfish that occupy similar zones but are unlikely to compete directly for food

good

Otocinclus

Small algae eaters that stay in lower water column and avoid stingray territory

good

Glass Catfish

Peaceful mid-water swimmers but may be stressed by stingray presence; requires careful observation

caution

Upside-Down Catfish

Nocturnal bottom dweller with similar activity patterns and non-aggressive behavior

good

Bristlenose Pleco

Peaceful algae eater that occupies different feeding niche and avoids stingray interaction

good

Common Diseases

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy

Treatment

Perform 25-50% water changes, improve water quality, maintain temperature at 26-28°C, use antibacterial medication if severe

Parasitic Infections

Symptoms

Excessive scratching against substrate, white spots or patches on body, loss of appetite

Treatment

Quarantine affected fish, treat with anti-parasitic medication, maintain pristine water conditions, increase water changes

Bacterial Infections

Symptoms

Cloudy eyes, open sores on body, swollen areas, behavioral changes

Treatment

Isolate in quarantine tank, treat with broad-spectrum antibiotics, perform frequent water changes, maintain optimal water parameters

Tail Spine Injury/Infection

Symptoms

Swelling or discoloration around tail spine, reluctance to move, visible wounds

Treatment

Minimize handling and stress, perform water changes to prevent secondary infection, use antiseptic treatments if wound is visible, consult specialist if severe