Paraná Stingray

Potamotrygon brachyura is the largest member of the family Potamotrygonidae, with adult disc widths documented at 80cm or more in the lower Paraná and La Plata systems of southern South America. Its relatively subdued brownish colouration with faint spotting conceals its impressive proportions, which in the aquarium demand extraordinary space — a minimum tank length of 3 metres is considered appropriate for a grown adult. Despite inhabiting sub-tropical latitudes, and therefore tolerating cooler conditions down to 18–20°C, it still requires pristine, low-nitrate water and fine sandy substrate. In most practical senses this species is more appropriate for public aquarium display than private home keeping, but serious specialist collectors occasionally maintain juveniles in large custom builds.

Water: 20–26°C, pH 6.0–7.5, moderate hardness acceptable (2–15 dGH); zero ammonia/nitrite; very high-volume filtration. Tank: Minimum 1200L and growing; very wide, shallow footprint; industrial sump filtration; regular massive water changes. Feeding: Carnivore; large earthworms, prawns, fish fillets, mussel; feed substantial meals 4–5 times per week. Breeding: Viviparous; litters of 5–15 pups; requires public-aquarium-scale conditions; rarely attempted privately. Compatibility: Effectively only suitable with other very large South American fish at adult size.