Cortez round stingray (Urobatis maculatus) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Spotted round ray
Family
Urotrygonidae (round rays)
Origin
Endemic to Mexico: shallow seas, sea-grass beds, coral reefs, estuaries, salt marshes and coastal lagoons.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
42 cm
Temperature
24–27°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. The list and article suggest at least 180 US gallons (about 680 litres) with plenty of open floor space. Water: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, salinity SG 1.023–1.026. These are general marine aquarium figures for a tropical species, not species-specific values from the sources. Keep nitrate low and oxygen high. Behaviour: hardy and small, so well suited to captivity, but rarely sold. Often confused with the round stingray (Urobatis halleri), which may be sold as "Cortez ray". Safety: like other round rays it has a venomous tail spine (not stated in the article). Never handle it by hand and get medical advice if stung. Conservation: assessed by the IUCN (2020); the category is not given in the article. 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/Urobatismaculatus). Checked October 2026.

Diet

The article does not cover diet. Like other round rays it eats bottom invertebrates and small fish: offer chopped shrimp, clam, mussel, squid and worms.

Breeding

The article says it is a good candidate for captive breeding but gives no details.

Compatibility and tank mates

Not reef safe: will eat shrimps, crabs and other invertebrates and small bottom fish. Keep with peaceful fish that will not nip it or outcompete it for food.

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

About Aquatic-Auctions

  • Aquatic-Auctions (aquatic-auctions.com) is a UK online marketplace for aquarium and pond livestock and equipment: tropical and marine fish, corals, shrimp, snails and other invertebrates, aquatic plants, tanks, filtration, lighting and food.
  • Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
  • Buyers pay sellers directly; Aquatic-Auctions does not hold the money. Hobbyist sellers must offer PayPal and may also take cash on collection. Business sellers take PayPal (required) or cash on collection, and bank transfer only once they have a seller rating of 50 out of 100, a company and pet-selling licence checked by Aquatic-Auctions, a bank account in the company's name, and bank details approved by Aquatic-Auctions.
  • Buyers are told to pay by PayPal Goods & Services, never PayPal Friends and Family, gift cards or crypto.
  • Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
  • Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
  • Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
  • Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
  • The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
  • Aquatic-Auctions is run by Etavonni Tech Limited trading as Aquatic-Auctions (company number 10204188), Aldershot, Hampshire, UK. Contact: info@aquatic-auctions.com.