Ocellate river stingray - Potamotrygon motoro

Scientific name: Potamotrygon motoro

Common name: Ocellate river stingray

Family: Potamotrygonidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 50 - 100 cm (19.69 - 39.37 inch)

014

Recommended pH range for the species: 5 - 6

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 0 - 10°N (0 - 178.57ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 24 - 26 °C (75.2 - 78.8°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Food and feeding

Ocellate river stingrays are carnivorous; meaty foods are essential, try not to offer feeder fish on a regular basis as they do not contain all the nutrients required. Beef heart, blood worms, shrimps are ideal foods.

Origin

South America; Ocellate river stingrays are to be found in the River Orinoco and the Amazon Basins.

Sexing

Males have modified pelvic fins for breeding purposes.

Breeding

Ocellate river stingrays are hard to breed bit not impossible. The male will bite the rear of the female to coax her into breeding; once she consents the male will slide underneath the female for copulation to commence. Pregnancies can last from 100-150 days resulting in a live pup being born. Some keepers prefer to move the pups to a separate tank as the male can think of them as a meal.

Lifespan

Expected life span is between 10 -15 years.

Short description

Water quality needs to be at a premium to keep Potamotrygon motoro. It is thought to be preferential to keep larger females than males. This prevents the females being injured during mating.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.