Spotted Caribbean Stingray

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Expert   • Temperament: Aggressive   • Maximum Size: 24"
• Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons   • Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
• Diet: Carnivore   • Origin: Caribbean, Northern S. America to Southern California
• Family: Rajidae   • Species: Rays   • Aquarium Type: Fish Only

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The Spotted Caribbean Stingray is a bottom dwelling fish species that will spend most of its time in the aquarium moving along the bottom in search of food or buried in the sand/substrate for protection. The tail spine of the Spotted Caribbean Stingray is venomous, but is only used for protection. Caution should be taken when netting it, or when it is not visible while maintenance is being performed in the aquarium. This species of ray is not as robust as some of the other commonly seen species; therefore, it should only be kept by experts only and only in a large aquarium (min of 180 gallons).

The Spotted Caribbean Stingray is a dark brown body with tan spots and rings. It is very round in shape and has a raised back leading from the eyes back to its tail fin. The tail spine is venomous, which the Spotted Caribbean Stingray uses for protection when threatened.

Due to its lack of hardiness, the Spotted Caribbean Stingray should only be kept by an expert marine aquarium hobbyist with a minimum of a 180 gallon aquarium with at least a two foot width from front to. It is necessary to have at least 2 feet of space from front to back in the aquarium, so that the adult ray can comfortably swim and turn within the aquarium. The Spotted Caribbean Stingray likes to cover itself with soft substrate as camouflage, and therefore needs a soft substrate such as sand. Coarser substrates such as crushed coral or aragonite not mixed with sand will scratch its abdomen and could cause an infection. The Spotted Caribbean Stingray should never be exposed to copper-based medications. Lastly, this species should not be kept with any crustacean or mollusk unless it is intended as food.

Feeding the Spotted Caribbean Stingray can be difficult when it is first introduced into aquarium life. Feeding small pieces of cleaned squid or live saltwater feeder shrimp should be used to entice the Spotted Caribbean Stingray to eat. Then over time, it will be able to be fed shrimp, scallops or pieces of fresh marine fish. Be sure to only feed uncooked and unpreserved fresh meaty seafoods.

Caution - This species is Venomous, and should be handled accordingly as these animals have an extremely painful sting. If you do get stung immediately soak it in hot water and call a doctor!