Atlantic stingray (Hypanus sabinus) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Dasyatis sabina (old name)
Family
Dasyatidae (whiptail stingrays)
Origin
Western Atlantic from Chesapeake Bay to Florida and the Gulf of Mexico; shallow coasts, estuaries and even fresh water, over sand or silt.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
61 cm
Temperature
20–24°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Care level
expert
Temperament
peaceful
Reef safe
no

Care

Tank: floor area matters far more than height. Give a deep bed of fine, smooth sand (at least 5 cm) to bury in, little or no rockwork, guarded heaters and pump intakes, a tight lid, and strong filtration and aeration, as rays are messy feeders. Avoid copper-based treatments, which rays and their relatives tolerate poorly. The list suggests at least 135 US gallons (about 510 litres), but at 61 cm and up to 4.9 kg it is best planned for a larger, public-aquarium-style system. Water: 20–24 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, salinity SG 1.023–1.026. These are general marine aquarium figures for a subtropical species, not species-specific values from the sources. Keep nitrate low and oxygen high. It prefers water above 15 °C and, though it can survive in fresh water, it does best in marine or brackish conditions. Behaviour: small for a stingray, but how well it adapts to aquaria is uncertain. Migrates seasonally between inshore and offshore waters. Safety: its serrated tail spine can cause a painful wound. Never handle it by hand and get medical advice if stung. Conservation: IUCN Least Concern. Selling: our policies require the adult size and long-term tank needs to be stated clearly in the listing. Large fish must travel by a specialist live-animal courier (see the Livestock shipping guide). Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypanussabinus). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Bottom invertebrates: clams, worms, small crustaceans and tube anemones. Offer chopped clam, shrimp and worms.

Breeding

Gives birth to 1–4 live young after a 4–4.5 month gestation.

Compatibility and tank mates

Not reef safe: eats clams, worms, crustaceans and anemones. Keep with peaceful fish.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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