Shed Stinger

[J.Lake]

my retics drop em all the time. Sometimes they are sporting 3 stingers. I have no sand in my tank and its not the easiest to find em still

 

[johno27]

Here are the three my male has shed since he has been with me.

Sorry about the dslr pic of my hand lol

 

[Joshmac8]

Thanks for the info John! Nice little barb collection

 

[johno27]

No problem, Hope to have a huge pile some day. I am still a padawan ray keeper

 

[speedo]

At what age or size do rays start shedding their barbs?

 

[kamikaziechameleon]

the fear of ongoing toxicity is my main concern.

 

[hereticlosmorte]

you can literally pick the shed barb up with your fingers and not worry about the toxin. it's only a problem if you pierce yourself with it. in other words, try to grab the barb by it's base, not the pointy tip. you can then do what you like with it: boil it, scrub with a toothbrush, etc.
the toxin will not stay on the barb for long once it is detached from the ray, and hot water will help break down the protein compound of the venom.