Info needed on a FL ray

[snakeguy101]

I am thinking about getting a Florida stingray and have not been able to find very much information on the internet so I was wondering if you guys could fill me in on what i need to know about them before i go and get it. What kind of sand do they like, how large do they get and what size tank is needed, what do i need to watch out for, is there anything specific that would be good to feed it?

Thank you for the advice in advance. I am new to keeping rays so any minor specifics are welcome.

 

[Zoodiver]

If you are keeping a ray in FL, it's going to have to be a saltwater ray. Chances are what you are seeing for sale is really an Atlantic Ray and some pet shop is just selling it with the wrong name. These are saltwater animals long term. Sure, you'll see people bring up that pups live in freshwater in some areas. But they don't do well long term that way, and also need four or five times the water volume to offset the biological process that's being increased due to being in freshwater.

Atlantics don't get too big, but for a marine starter ray I'd suggest something like a yellow ray or a round ray. They do better in captivity and stay smaller. You'd only need something around 150 gallons for one of them.

 

[snakeguy101]

no, i am not purchasing one but there is a spring near me that has many of them in it and i am going to try and capture one. here is the only link i can find on them:
http://www.ecofloridamag.com/archived/stingrays.htm

 

[Zoodiver]

That link is to the Atlantic rays. Like said, they are often tried to be forced into freshwater without luck at all. Being a marine ray in freshwater, they produce much more waste than a similar sized animal in saltwater - this is why you see them that way in the wild, but they die in captivity. It has to do with how the animalss osmoregulate themselves in various salinities. You'll need 500 gallons or more for a very small pup, and need to convert it to saltwater in the first few months if you want to keep it long term.

And just for the sake of saying it, make sure you have your proper collection permit for getting your own animals from the wild in FL. It's only about $40 or so, and some paperwork.

 

[snakeguy101]

my paperwork is up to par but i dont think that i will begetting one now that you mention that they do not do well in FW. I think it is best for me to wait and get more info while i save up. thanks for your help.

 

[Nic]

my paperwork is up to par but i dont think that i will begetting one now that you mention that they do not do well in FW, also, i Cant afford a motoro right now. I think it is best for me to wait and get more info while i save up. thanks for your help.

you do know motoro and all other fresh water rays are illegal in florida...

 

[snakeguy101]

you do know motoro and all other fresh water rays are illegal in florida...

nope, i do now. good thing i waited. thanks

 

[coeus]

wow they just pooped all over your parade, that sucks, imo move out of state and get a ray

 

[TheRealMacDaddy]

you do know motoro and all other fresh water rays are illegal in florida...

Nic, you know you got a pretty cool avitar and all, but you need to check your facts before speaking out. Your statement should have been South American and Asian freshwater stingrays are restricted species in Florida (read this as meaning they can be kept with proper documentation issued by FWC).

D. Sabina the Atlantic Stingray is a legal stingray to keep in Florida. There is a true freshwater strain of this species that have been land locked below the Rodman Dam since the 60s.

To answer the OP, D. Sabina can be collected and kept in PURE freshwater. These fish can obtain sizes of over 20 lbs and 3 ft. wingpspan. This I know because we catch them all the time in the St. Johns river between Orlando and Titusville.

 

[ewurm]

Nic, you know you got a pretty cool avitar and all, but you need to check your facts before speaking out. Your statement should have been South American and Asian freshwater stingrays are restricted species in Florida (read this as meaning they can be kept with proper documentation issued by FWC).

D. Sabina the Atlantic Stingray is a legal stingray to keep in Florida. There is a true freshwater strain of this species that have been land locked below the Rodman Dam since the 60s.

To answer the OP, D. Sabina can be collected and kept in PURE freshwater. These fish can obtain sizes of over 20 lbs and 3 ft. wingpspan. This I know because we catch them all the time in the St. Johns river between Orlando and Titusville.

Very unlikely that Florida would issue a permit to a hobbyist.