MOTORO ADVICE FOR RAY NEWBIE

Hi Everyone!

I'm really not a monster keeper, the biggest tank I own is 8ft X 2ft X 2ft, which I know is small as far as monster fish-keeping goes.

Nevertheless, I do have many years experience with general tropicals, Discus, Marines, etc, and thought I'd try my hand at keeping Stingrays...

My research has told me that the Motoros are the ideal for beginers (out of what is avialable in Australia, anyway).

Now I'm not buying until I've studied a book on them (ordered and on its way), but any advice I get from people or the net is conflicting, so I figured the folk on this site would know better than anyone. I'd rather not buy them if I'm not suited to them, so please be blunt with your opinions / ideas...

Anyway, here's my question: Can I keep a pair of Motoros (currently just under 15cm diameter) in a tank 4ft X 2ft X 2ft?

I've been told they won't outgrow it, as they grow according to the tank size (which I suspect is bull, as most fish grow anyway). I've also been told they get 3ft diameter, others say a little over 1ft. Some say they'll hit 2ft, but it takes many years, and that my tank will be fine for AGES, others say they grow rappidly.

If they'd be fine in the 4x2x2 for a few years, then that would do as I can provide them with something like a 6ft L X 3ft W x 18inch H in the future.

Can someone give me some clarification on their size / minimum tank requirments?

Thanks guys, very helpful

The fella selling them (he bred them) is keeping two Motoros in a 6ft L x 2ft W x 18" H tank in his living room. Reckons he's had them in that tank for nearly four years. One is around 12" diameter, the other is 12 - 13" diameter. He says they've stopped growing.

I was concerned they'd be stunted - would stunting kill them soon? I'd assumed so.

The pups are kept in a very large round tub (diameter of about 7 feet) in his garage with a huge trickle filter hanging above it.

So I'm concerned to do it, as I'd rather not keep them if it was unsuitable. He is saying it is fine, and that his living room tank is proof of that. However, we must be cautious when taking advice from people who are trying to sell us something...