Common name: stingaree

General information

The Southern Stingray, Dasyatis americana, is a commonly found ray in the tropical and subtropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean. Its distinctive diamond-shaped body and long, whip-like tail make it a fascinating species for larger public aquariums, though it is not typically recommended for home reef aquariums due to its size and requirements.

Care

Southern Stingrays require very large tanks with a soft sandy bottom to mimic their natural habitat. They are bottom dwellers and need plenty of space to roam. They feed on a diet of mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish. In captivity, they should be offered a variety of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and fish.

Reproduction

In the wild, Southern Stingrays are ovoviviparous, meaning the females retain the eggs inside their body until they hatch. The pups are born fully developed and independent. Breeding these rays in captivity requires a very large and carefully managed environment.

Habitat

Southern Stingrays are found in coastal tropical and subtropical waters, often buried in sand in shallow bays, estuaries, and near coral reefs. They are known to frequent depths from the shoreline to about 53 meters.

Geographical distribution includes the western Atlantic from New Jersey to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.