Albino Pearl Stingray (Potamotrygon jabuti) - Pair

The Albino Pearl Stingray (Potamotrygon jabuti) is a highly prized, venomous freshwater stingray native to the Tapajós River basin in Brazil. Known for its stunning reversed color morph featuring brilliant white or orange rings on a golden-red base, it is a premium centerpiece for advanced aquarists.

Keeping this rare color variant requires expert care, pristine water parameters, and massive housing arrangements.

Species Overview & Origin

Scientific Name: Potamotrygon jabuti (often labeled in the hobby as a variant of the Pearl Ray).

Natural Habitat: The slow-moving, warm waters and sandy riverbeds of the Amazon River system in South America.

The Albino Morph: While a standard Pearl Stingray has a golden-brown base with dark rings, the albino genetic mutation reverses this pattern into a striking white-on-gold or tangerine color palette.

Size: They grow slightly smaller than common Motoro rays but can still reach up to 30 inches (76 cm) in disc diameter.

Aquarium & Housing Requirements

Because of their enormous adult size and constant bottom-dwelling activity, standard fish tanks will not suffice.

Tank Footprint: Width and length matter much more than height. The aquarium should be at least 72 to 84 inches long and 24 to 36 inches wide.

Minimum Volume: While juveniles can be temporarily housed in smaller tanks, adults strictly require a minimum of 180 to 220 gallons to thrive.

Substrate: You must use fine, smooth sand. Stingrays instinctively bury themselves to rest, and rough gravel will scratch and severely infect their sensitive bellies.

Equipment Protection: You must place guards around aquarium heaters or move them into a external sump filter. Stingrays will rest directly against exposed glass heaters and suffer catastrophic burns.