Albino Pearl Stingray Male

Albino Pearl Stingray Male, Freshwater stingrays live in the Amazon River system and are one of the only rays inhabiting freshwater rather than saltwater. Though docile animals, they are responsible for more injuries to humans each year than any other Amazonian species.

A Stingray’s Natural Habitat

Freshwater stingrays are found in river systems in Southeast Asia, Australia, Africa and South America. Aquarium shops in North America typically offer members of the genus Potamotrygon (Family Potamotrygonidae), which are native to South America. Most species of rays are native to a particular river system, with the majority coming from the Amazon River. They live in a variety of habitats including slow moving sandy bottomed rivers, but they can also be found in flooded forest areas during the rainy season.

Housing Requirements for Stingrays

Simply put, when it comes to the proper sized aquarium for freshwater stingrays, the bigger the better. Height is not critical, but a length of at least 72” to 84” and depth (width) of 24” to 36” should be considered the minimum for long term housing. A 75 or 90 gallon aquarium can be used for juvenile stingrays, but nothing smaller than a 180 gallon aquarium should be considered for keeping adults long term. The substrate should be fine sand and decorations, if used, should be smooth and free of sharp edges. Leave as much of the bottom as possible open for the rays to swim and bury in the sand. Heaters should have a guard around them or be in-line or located in a sump to prevent your stingrays from burning themselves on them. Lighting should be subdued with a 12-hour day/night cycle.