Bigtooth river stingray
Potamotrygon henlei
Also known as Black diamond stingray, Henlei ray, Tocantins ray
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 75–82°F
- 24–28°C
- pH
- 6.0–7.2
- Adult size
- 21.7 in
- 55 cm
- Minimum tank
- 396 gal
- 1,500 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Difficulty
- Difficult
- Breeding
- Livebearer · Hard
- Rarity
- Rare
- Family
- Potamotrygonidae
- Origin
- Native to the Rio Tocantins basin in Brazil, over sand and among rocks in clear, warm rivers.
Overview
The bigtooth river stingray, also called the black diamond stingray, is a large, expensive freshwater ray for experienced keepers only.
Did you know
The bigtooth river stingray is often treated as the benchmark against which other spotted river rays are judged for pattern and contrast.
Caring for the bigtooth river stingray
A bigtooth river stingray needs a very wide tank of at least 396 gal (1,500 L). Keep the water spotless, at 75 to 82°F (24 to 28°C) and a pH of 6.0 to 7.2. Run heavy filtration and make big, regular water changes.
Feed a varied diet of earthworms, prawns, mussel and fish. It is mostly peaceful toward other fish. Like all river rays, it carries a venomous tail barb capable of a severe sting, so treat it with respect and avoid risky tank mates.
It bears live young. Breeding it in captivity is hard.
Good to know
The bigtooth river stingray, Potamotrygon henlei, belongs to the family Potamotrygonidae and is also called the Henlei ray or Tocantins ray. Its near-black disc is covered in fine white or cream spots. It is heavy-bodied and grows larger and thicker than most common rays. Spot number and size vary between individuals, and keepers use them to grade fish.
In the wild
The bigtooth river stingray is endemic to the Rio Tocantins basin in Brazil. It lives over sand and among rocks in clear, warm rivers. Like its relatives, it rests on the sand and ambushes prey from the substrate.
Common questions
What size tank does a bigtooth river stingray need?
A bigtooth river stingray needs at least 396 gal (1,500 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH does a bigtooth river stingray need?
A bigtooth river stingray is comfortable at 75–82°F (24–28°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.2.
What does a bigtooth river stingray eat?
A bigtooth river stingray eats a varied diet of earthworms, prawns, mussel and fish.
How big does a bigtooth river stingray get?
An adult bigtooth river stingray reaches about 21.7 in (55 cm).
How does a bigtooth river stingray breed?
A bigtooth river stingray bears live young. Breeding it in captivity is hard.
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