Ocellate river stingray

Care at a glance

The ocellate river stingray from the Amazon basin is one of the best-known freshwater rays in the hobby: a round, flat disc with a striking pattern of yellow or orange eyespot markings (ocelli) on a dark background. It likes to bury itself half in the sand, with only its eyes and spiracles showing, to ambush prey from cover.

This is not an animal for an ordinary community tank: its tail carries a venomous barb and it can strike hard if it feels threatened, so only keep it in a tank built entirely around it — fine, soft sand with no sharp edges, no sharp decor, and tankmates that won't harass it or nip at its tail. Check local regulations before buying, since keeping venomous rays is restricted in some countries or regions.

Good to know

• Venomous spines — handle with care
• Digger — needs fine sand
• Outgrows most home tanks
• Needs a mature, stable tank
• Preys on shrimp and snails

Best not combined with

• Tiger barbPuntigrus tetrazona
• Serpae tetraHyphessobrycon eques
• Buenos Aires tetraHyphessobrycon anisitsi
• Cherry shrimpNeocaridina davidi

Related species

• Panda coryCorydoras panda
• Silver arowanaOsteoglossum bicirrhosum
• Indian glassfishParambassis ranga
• Sterbai coryCorydoras sterbai
• Adolfo’s coryCorydoras adolfoi
• Green spotted pufferDichotomyctere nigroviridis