All fish / Potamotrygonidae

Black Diamond Stingray

Potamotrygon adamastor

Also known as black diamond stingray, black diamond ray, potamotrygon sp. black diamond, p. leopoldi x black diamond, adamastor stingray, black ray, white spotted black stingray, กระเบนแบล็คไดมอนด์, ブラックダイヤモンドスティングレイ, pari black diamond, 黑钻魟, 黑钻石魟

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A large freshwater stingray with a jet black disc covered in small white spots, long sold under the trade name black diamond before being formally described in 2016. It is one of the most prized and expensive river rays, kept by advanced hobbyists for its striking colour and calm, interactive behaviour.

Care at a glance

Care level

Hard

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

45 cm

Temperature

26 to 30 °C

pH

5.5 to 7.2

Smallest tank

1500 litres

Keep as

Alone or a pair or small group in a very large tank

Diet

Carnivore: earthworms, shrimp, mussel, prawn, fish fillet and sinking carnivore pellets

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil: middle Rio Negro basin and nearby Amazon tributaries

Breeding

Livebearer with internal fertilisation; females give birth to a small litter of fully formed pups after a pregnancy of several months. It has been bred regularly by dedicated keepers and Asian farms, but needs very large tanks and excellent water quality.

Good to know

The tail carries a venomous barb that can cause a very painful wound, and adults need a huge tank with a sandy, open floor and powerful filtration. Export and keeping of Potamotrygon rays is restricted in some places (for example certain US states and Brazilian export rules), so check local law.