All fish / Potamotrygonidae

Raspy river stingray

Potamotrygon scobina

Also known as raspy stingray, scobina stingray, potamotrygon scobina, raspy freshwater stingray, ポタモトリゴン・スコビナ, 斯科比纳魟

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A medium-sized freshwater stingray with a roughly round brown disc covered in small dark spots and fine pale markings, plus a rough, denticle-covered back that gives it its common name. It is kept by stingray enthusiasts for its calm nature and engaging feeding behaviour, though it is seen less often than ocellated or motoro rays.

Care at a glance

Care level

Hard

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

35 cm

Temperature

25 to 30 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

1500 litres

Keep as

Singly or as a pair or small group in a very large tank

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Lower Amazon basin and Pará River estuary region, Brazil

Breeding

It gives birth to live young after an internal pregnancy, with small litters of fully formed pups. Captive breeding is possible in very large, stable systems but is rarely achieved and needs an established, compatible pair.

Good to know

The tail carries a venomous barbed spine that can cause a very painful wound, so handle with great care, and some countries restrict or require permits for freshwater stingrays. It needs a very large footprint, soft sand, powerful filtration and spotless water, as rays are highly sensitive to nitrate and poor water quality.