Black Diamond Stingray (Potamotrygon leopoldi) 6-7"

The Black Diamond Stingray (Potamotrygon leopoldi) is a premium, freshwater stingray highly prized for its deep jet-black body and vibrant white spots. Native to the Xingu River basin in Brazil, these fish are considered a luxury symbol in the advanced aquarium hobby due to their striking looks and demanding care requirements.

Overview and Biological Traits

Scientific Classification: Belongs to the freshwater stingray family Potamotrygonidae.

Physical Size: Adults grow to a disc diameter of 18 to 24 inches. Their total length, including the tail, can exceed 40 inches.

Lifespan: Capable of living 19 to 28 years in pristine captive environments.

Venomous Barb: Features a sharp, serrated barb on the tail. They shed and replace this barb naturally. Owners must exercise extreme caution during tank maintenance.

Diet and Feeding Habits

Black Diamonds are enthusiastic carnivores with fast metabolisms, especially when young.

Juveniles: Feed small live or frozen meals like bloodworms, mysis shrimp, and brine shrimp.

Adults: Thrive on high-protein staples including nightcrawlers, market shrimp, mussels, tilapia pieces, and frozen silversides.

Precaution: Avoid long-term feeding of seafood containing thiaminase (an enzyme that blocks vitamin B1 absorption).

Tank Mate Compatibility

Rays are predatory bottom-dwellers. They will eat any fish small enough to fit into their mouths.

Safe Choices: Large, upper-dwelling fish like Arowanas, Datnoids, and large Geophagus cichlids.

Dangerous Choices: Plecos (suckermouth catfish) and aggressive cichlids. Plecos often suck on the ray’s protective slime coat, creating wounds that quickly turn into fatal bacterial infections.