Common name: Yellow stingray
General information
The Yellow Stingray, Urobatis jamaicensis, is a species of stingray in the family Urotrygonidae. It is known for its distinctive yellow to olive coloration and round disc-shaped body. This species is relatively small compared to other stingrays, making it a suitable candidate for larger home aquariums. In the wild, they are often found buried in sandy substrates, camouflaging themselves from predators and prey.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 750 liter (200 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 60 cm (2′)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs a large, sandy bottom
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys meaty foods, shrimp
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May disturb inverts, sand sifters
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May nip at slow fish
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassSharks and RaysElasmobranchii
- OrderStingraysMyliobatiformes
- FamilyRound stingraysUrotrygonidae
- GenusRound StingraysUrobatis
- SpeciesYellow stingrayUrobatis jamaicensis (Cuvier, 1816)
- SynonymsRaia jamaicensis Cuvier, 1816Trygonobatus torpedinus Desmarest, 1823Urobatis sloani vermiculatus Garman, 1913Urolophus jamaicensis (Cuvier, 1816)
Care
Yellow Stingrays require a spacious tank with a sandy bottom to mimic their natural habitat. They are sensitive to water quality, so efficient filtration and regular water changes are essential. A varied diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and marine fish is necessary for their health. Caution should be taken when handling or performing tank maintenance due to their venomous tail spine.
Reproduction
In captivity, breeding Yellow Stingrays can be challenging. They are ovoviviparous, with females giving birth to live young after a gestation period. Breeding success requires a well-established aquarium with pristine water conditions and multiple specimens to increase the chances of a compatible pair.
Habitat
Yellow Stingrays are native to the tropical western Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. They prefer shallow coastal waters with sandy or muddy bottoms where they can easily blend into their surroundings.