Common name: Mottled Stingray

General information

The Mottled Stingray, also known as the Roughskin Stingray or Mangrove Whipray (Urogymnus asperrimus), is a unique species of stingray that is not commonly found in the aquarium trade due to its large size and conservation status. It is distinguished by its mottled appearance and rough-textured skin, which is covered in small thorny denticles. This species is part of the Dasyatidae family and is known for its wide, diamond-shaped pectoral fin disc and long, slender tail equipped with a venomous stinger.

Care

Due to their potential size and specialized habitat requirements, Mottled Stingrays are not recommended for the average home aquarium. They require very large systems with plenty of open sand or mud substrate to mimic their natural mangrove and estuarine environments. These rays are sensitive to water quality and require pristine conditions with efficient filtration. They are carnivorous, feeding on a diet of mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish in the wild, so a varied diet of meaty foods is essential in captivity.

Reproduction

Mottled Stingrays are ovoviviparous, meaning they give birth to live young after the eggs hatch inside the female's body. Little is known about their reproductive habits in the wild, and breeding them in captivity is extremely rare and challenging due to their size and specific requirements.

Habitat

The Mottled Stingray is found in shallow coastal waters, often associated with mangrove forests and estuaries. They are benthic dwellers, spending most of their time on the bottom. Their range extends across the Indo-West Pacific, from the eastern coast of Africa to the western Pacific Ocean, including the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf.