Is the sting of a Motoro Stingray dangerous to humans?

Yes. The barb is venomous and features serrated edges that cause mechanical damage as well as envenomation. A sting results in extreme pain and swelling, and requires immediate medical attention. If stung, immersing the affected area in hot water (as hot as can be tolerated without scalding) helps break down the protein-based venom.

Can I keep a freshwater stingray in a tank with gravel?

No, gravel is highly discouraged. Stingrays spend most of their time on the bottom and frequently bury themselves. Coarse or sharp gravel will scratch and abrade their soft bellies, leading to severe bacterial infections. Fine, smooth sand is essential.

What is the 'death curl'?

The 'death curl' is a term used when the outer edges of a stingray's disc roll upwards, making it look somewhat like a bowl. It is a sign of extreme stress, usually caused by poor water parameters, starvation, or disease, and is often fatal if the underlying cause is not immediately corrected.

Do I need a heater for a freshwater stingray?

Absolutely. Motoro Stingrays are tropical fish native to the Amazon and require stable water temperatures between 24°C and 28°C. Ensure heaters are protected with a guard, or ideally use an inline heater or sump setup, to prevent the ray from burning itself by resting against the element.

Can I feed my stingray feeder fish?

While they will eagerly eat small live fish, using generic store-bought feeder fish (like goldfish or minnows) is strongly discouraged. They are poor in nutrients, rich in thiaminase (which causes vitamin B1 deficiency), and frequently carry diseases or parasites. A diet of earthworms, prawns, and whitebait is much healthier.

FreshwaterTropicalAdvanced

Motoro Freshwater Stingray

Potamotrygon motoro

A magnificent, bottom-dwelling cartilaginous fish renowned for its striking spotted pattern, requiring immense aquariums and highly specialised care.

List this species for sale Find Motoro Freshwater Stingray near me

Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 28 °C
pH range: 6 – 7.5
Hardness: 1 – 10 dGH
Adult size: 45 – 60 cm
1500 Litres (Based on a footprint of at least 240cm x 90cm for an adult): 1,500 litres+
Lifespan: 10 – 15 years
Diet: Carnivore
Water flow: moderate
Preferred setup: Vast open footprint with deep, fine, smooth sand substrate to allow burying. Minimal décor.

About the Motoro Freshwater Stingray

The Motoro Freshwater Stingray is arguably the most iconic and frequently kept stingray in the aquatic trade. Characterised by its beautifully mottled brown disc adorned with vibrant, tricoloured ocelli (eyespots), it makes a spectacular centrepiece for the truly massive aquarium. As a cartilaginous fish belonging to the family Potamotrygonidae, it relies heavily on its highly developed senses to navigate and hunt along the substrate. While undeniably captivating, keeping this species is a monumental commitment of space, resources, and time, requiring strict adherence to pristine water quality.

Find Motoro Freshwater Stingray

Search current listings in your chosen area. If none are available, save an alert and we’ll let you know when a match is listed.

Find locally Check compatibility Add to a Setup

Availability alerts only use public sale listings. Adding this species to a Setup updates your private records.

Is it right for your tank?

Check Motoro Freshwater Stingray against a habitat you already keep. We compare water type, temperature, pH, adult size, group needs and everything living there.

Where Motoro Freshwater Stingray comes from

Native range

Amazon Basin, Orinoco Basin, Paraná-Paraguay Basin

Countries / regions

Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay

Habitat

Sandy and muddy bottoms of slow-moving rivers, streams, and flooded forest floors.

Widespread across much of South America's major river networks.

Similar species

Black Diamond Stingray
Potamotrygon leopoldi
Teacup Stingray
Potamotrygon reticulata
Flower Stingray
Potamotrygon schroederi

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

View all compatibility

Silver Arowana
Osteoglossum bicirrhosum
Occupies the upper levels of the aquarium and grows large enough not to be considered prey, creating a harmonious display of giant fish.
Great
Silver Dollar
Metynnis argenteus
Peaceful, active mid-water swimmers that grow large enough to avoid being eaten and will not bother the ray.
Great
Eartheaters
Geophagus spp.
Generally peaceful and share the same water parameters, but large adult cichlids must be monitored to ensure they do not pick at the ray's disc.
Compatible with caution
Common Plecostomus
Hypostomus plecostomus
Notorious for latching onto the flat bodies of stingrays to suck their nutrient-rich slime coat, causing severe and often fatal wounds.
Not recommended
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras spp.
Small enough to be eaten, but their rigid pectoral spines will lock in the ray's throat, often resulting in the death of both animals.
Not recommended

Current marketplace listings

Checking the marketplace…

See all Motoro Freshwater Stingray listings

Public Wanted requests

No open requests for Motoro Freshwater Stingray in this market yet.

Looking for Motoro Freshwater Stingray?

Search current listings near you, or post a wanted request so local sellers know what you’re looking for.

Search Motoro Freshwater Stingray listings Post a wanted request