Antennae Stingray Care Guide – The Ultimate Freshwater Oddball for Advanced Aquarists

Introduction: A Living Hovercraft with Personality

The Antennae Stingray is one of the most fascinating and exotic freshwater rays available to hobbyists. Also referred to as Potamotrygon cf. motoro with distinctive “antennae” patterns on its disc, this ray is not just a bottom-dweller — it’s an intelligent, interactive showstopper.

Known for its round disc, patterned body, and paddle-like swimming motion, the Antennae Stingray demands space, pristine water, and dedicated care. It’s not a fish for beginners, but for those ready to level up, it offers a truly one-of-a-kind aquarium experience.

---

🔍 Species Overview

---

🏠 Ideal Tank Setup

📏 Tank Size

• Minimum: 180 gallons

• Ideal: 240–300+ gallons (8 ft x 3 ft footprint or larger)

Antennae Stingrays need lots of floor space rather than vertical room. A wide tank with a soft substrate and open swimming area is essential.

🪨 Aquascaping & Substrate

• Fine, soft sand or bare-bottom

• Smooth rocks or driftwood (no sharp edges)

• Avoid gravel — it can injure the ray’s delicate underside

• Keep decorations minimal to allow free movement

💧 Filtration & Flow

• Dual canister filters or a large sump system

• Strong biological filtration

• Oxygenated water with moderate flow

• Cover intakes with mesh to prevent injury

Expect heavy bio-load, so weekly 30–50% water changes are necessary.

---

💧 Water Parameters

Stingrays are extremely sensitive to poor water quality. Use a dechlorinator and monitor parameters weekly.

---

🍽️ Feeding & Diet

Antennae Stingrays are carnivorous hunters that love live and frozen meaty foods.

✅ Best Foods:

• Live or frozen bloodworms

• Blackworms, earthworms

• Freshwater shrimp

• Chopped raw tilapia or smelt

• Sinking carnivore pellets (e.g., Hikari, NorthFin)

• Repashy "Meat Pie" or custom gel foods

Feed once or twice daily. Avoid uneaten food as it can foul the water quickly.

---

🧠 Behavior & Personality

• Peaceful toward other large fish

• Will eat small fish or inverts that fit in their mouth

• Recognize their owners and can be hand-fed

• Prefer low lighting and steady tank rhythms

• Spend most time cruising or burying themselves in sand

They’re incredibly interactive and intelligent for a fish — many aquarists report rays “begging” for food or responding to stimuli.

---

👫 Tank Mate Compatibility

Choose tank mates that are non-aggressive, non-nippy, and large enough not to be seen as food.

✅ Compatible Tank Mates:

• Large peaceful cichlids (Severums, Uarus)

• Silver Dollars

• Bichirs

• Datnoids

• Large catfish (non-aggressive)

• Peacock Bass (if raised together)

❌ Avoid:

• Small tetras, barbs, shrimp

• Aggressive cichlids (Jaguar, Dovii, Red Devils)

• Fish that nip fins or outcompete for food

• Fast, boisterous fish that stress rays

---

🧬 Growth & Lifespan

• Can grow up to 24 inches wide

• Full adult size reached within 1.5–2 years under ideal care

• Lifespan: 10–15+ years in a well-maintained aquarium

They require a long-term commitment, both in care and tank space.

---

⚠️ Stingray Safety & Handling

While freshwater stingrays do have a venomous barb, the Antennae Stingray is not aggressive and will not sting unless threatened.

Tips:

• Never lift them by the tail

• Use soft nets or bins for transport

• If handling is necessary, wear thick aquarium gloves

• Always inform family members or guests of the ray’s presence when cleaning the tank

Injury risk is very low with proper care and respect.

---

💲 Why Buy Antennae Stingrays from RobsAquatics.com?

• Responsibly imported and quarantined

• Eating prepared foods before shipping

• Shipped with heat packs and oxygen

• Handled with stingray-safe techniques

• Backed by our Live Arrival Guarantee

At Rob’s Aquatics, we ensure that every ray is ready to thrive in a serious aquarist’s setup.

---

🧠 Final Thoughts

The Antennae Stingray is more than just an exotic oddball — it's a living centerpiece with personality, intelligence, and unmatched elegance. If you’re ready for the challenge of maintaining a large, well-filtered aquarium and want a fish that interacts and fascinates, this freshwater ray delivers.

Perfect for:

• Advanced fishkeepers with large tanks

• Oddball and monster fish collectors

• Custom aquariums or showcase setups

• Aquarists seeking intelligent, interactive pets

---

👉 Order your Antennae Stingray from RobsAquatics.com and add one of the most exotic and captivating species in the aquarium world to your collection.