Common name: Bluespotted stingray

General information

The Blue-spotted Stingray, also known as Kuhl's Stingray or Bluespotted Maskray, is a distinctive and attractive species that is popular among advanced aquarists. Its vibrant blue spots on a tan to yellowish body make it a visually striking addition to any marine aquarium. Neotrygon kuhlii is a demersal species, meaning it spends most of its time on the sea floor, often partially buried in sand.

Care

Caring for Blue-spotted Stingrays requires a large tank with a sandy bottom to mimic their natural habitat. They are sensitive to water quality and require stable, pristine conditions. The tank should also provide plenty of open space for swimming. Due to their venomous tail spine, caution is advised during tank maintenance and when housing with other tank mates.

Reproduction

In the wild, Blue-spotted Stingrays are ovoviviparous, with females giving birth to live young after the eggs hatch internally. Breeding them in captivity is challenging and not commonly done by hobbyists due to their specific requirements and the size of the aquarium needed for adults.

Habitat

Neotrygon kuhlii is found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-West Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Solomon Islands, and from Japan to Australia. They inhabit coral reefs and sandy flats, often near reef structures, at depths from the intertidal zone to 30 meters.