Aquarium species profile

Freshwater Stingray

Potamotrygon motoro · South America (Amazon, Orinoco, Paraná river basins)

Minimum tank180 gal

Adult size24" disc diameter

Care levelDifficult

TemperamentPeaceful

Temperature75–82°F

pH range5.5–7.5

Diet

Carnivore – live/frozen earthworms, shrimp, fish chunks, mussels; buried live worms trigger feeding response

Compatible tank mates

Large peaceful fish (Arowana, large peaceful cichlids, large catfish) — nothing that will nip its disc

Tank mates to avoid

Any fish that will nip fins/disc, aggressive cichlids, conspecific males

Care notes

Legally restricted or banned in many US states — check local laws. Venomous barb on tail — handle with extreme caution; sting causes excruciating pain. Requires deep (4"+) fine sandy substrate to bury in. Highly intelligent and rewarding to keep. Needs pristine water.

Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.

Check compatibility in Fishician