Common stingaree (Trygonoptera testacea) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Stingaree
Family
Urolophidae (stingarees)
Origin
Eastern Australia from southern Queensland to Cape Howe, Victoria; estuaries, sand flats and rocky reefs, mostly to 60 m.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
47 cm
Temperature
16–22°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
680 litres
Care level
intermediate
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. An estimated minimum of about 680 litres (our estimate, in line with similar rays). The article gives up to 52 cm, possibly 61 cm. Water: a temperate species. 16–22 °C, pH 8.1–8.4 and SG 1.023–1.026 are general marine guidance, not species-specific values. Behaviour: the list says it seems well suited to captive life. It is the commonest inshore ray in its range. Safety: the tail carries a venomous, serrated spine. A sting is very painful, though rarely dangerous to life. Never handle the ray by hand, net it with care, and get medical advice if stung. It may have one or two spines. Conservation: IUCN Near Threatened. 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/Trygonopteratestacea). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Adults eat mainly polychaete worms, plus shrimps and other crustaceans, small fish and molluscs. Offer worms, chopped shrimp and clam.

Breeding

Gives birth to usually two live young after about a year. Captured pregnant females tend to abort, so take care with wild-caught females.

Compatibility and tank mates

Not reef safe: eats worms, shrimps and small fish. Keep with peaceful, cool-water fish.

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

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