The Black Devil Stingray is one of the most popular freshwater stingrays in the aquarium trade.
This is largely due to their unique black coloration, which is really only found in a handful of other species.
But their popularity also has a lot to do with their easy care requirements. They’re a hardy species that can adapt to a wide range of conditions.
If you’re thinking about getting a Black Devil Stingray, this guide will teach you everything you need to know about their care.
Table of contents
Species overview
The Black Devil Stingray (Dasyatis brevis) is a species of stingray that is found in parts of Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji.
They prefer shallow coastal waters and can be found in both estuaries and reefs.
The Black Devil Stingray is a bottom-dweller and feeds primarily on small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.
This stingray gets its name from its dark coloration. The Black Devil Stingray is mostly black, with a white or light-colored underside.
The Black Devil Stingray is a popular choice for aquariums because of its unique appearance. However, it is important to note that stingrays can grow to be quite large, so make sure you have a tank that is large enough to accommodate a full-grown ray.
Appearance
The Black Devil Stingray is an impressive freshwater fish that is sure to turn heads. As their name suggests, these fish are almost entirely black. The only exception to this is a white or light-colored band that runs along their dorsal and caudal fins.
This band is usually broken up into a few sections that run along the length of the fins.
The Black Devil Stingray has a very large and flat body. Their dorsal and pectoral fins are very large and make up a good portion of their body.
Their caudal fin is also very large and is almost as tall as their dorsal fin.
These fish have a very long and wide mouth that is filled with small teeth. They also have small eyes that are set far back on their head.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of black devil stingrays is 15 to 20 years. However, there are reports of them living up to 30 years in captivity.
As with most animals, their lifespan will be determined by the quality of care they receive. If they’re kept in poor conditions, they obviously won’t live as long as those that are well cared for.
Size
Black devil stingrays can grow to be quite large, with some specimens reaching up to 2.5 meters in length and weighing over 100 kg. However, the average size of a black devil stingray is more like 1.5-2 meters.
Tank
Tank Size
The minimum tank size for a black devil stingray is 500 gallons.
While this fish is not as large as some of the other stingrays (it only grows to about 2 feet in length), it is still a very active swimmer and needs a lot of space to move around.
It is also important to note that these fish are very messy eaters and produce a lot of waste. As a result, you will need to have a very good filtration system to keep the water quality high.
Water Parameters
The Black Devil Stingray is a freshwater fish that is found in the rivers of South America.
The water parameters you need to maintain for Black Devil Stingrays are as follows:
- Water Temperature: 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit
- pH Levels: 6.5-7.5
- Water Hardness: 5-19 dGH
- Alkalinity Levels: 3-10 dKH
What To Put In Their Tank
The interior of their tank is just as important as the exterior. A black devil stingray needs a place to feel comfortable and safe, which means there are some things you’ll need to include.
First and foremost, you need to have a soft substrate. This will help protect their delicate skin from any cuts or scrapes.
We also recommend including some hiding places. These can be anything from driftwood to rocks. Stingrays like to have a place to hide when they’re feeling threatened or stressed.
Last but not least, you need to make sure there’s plenty of room for them to swim. These fish can grow quite large, so a tank that’s too small will quickly become cramped.
A good rule of thumb is to have at least a 100-gallon tank for a single stingray. If you’re planning on keeping more than one then you’ll need an even larger tank.
Common Diseases
Black devil stingrays are relatively hardy fish and don’t often fall ill. However, like any other animal, they can still get sick if the conditions in their tank are not ideal.
The most common disease that these fish experience is bacterial infection. This can be caused by a number of things, but the most likely culprit is poor water quality.
If you notice your fish acting strangely or see any open wounds, it’s important to act fast. Bacterial infections can progress quickly and be fatal if they’re not treated.
The best way to prevent your fish from getting sick is to maintain a high level of water quality in their tank. Regular water changes and filtration will go a long way in keeping your fish healthy and disease-free.
Behavior & Temperament
Black devil stingrays are not the kind of fish that you can keep in a community tank. They are aggressive, territorial, and will attack anything that they see as a threat. They are also known to eat smaller fish, so it’s best to keep them in a tank by themselves.
The good news is that they are not aggressive towards humans. So, if you want to keep one as a pet, you won’t have to worry about them hurting you.
These fish are also known to be quite shy. They like to hide and will often stay hidden for long periods of time. When they do come out, they are usually only active at night.
Tank Mates
The black devil stingray is a large, aggressive freshwater fish. In the wild, these fish occupy rivers and streams in South America.
As a result, they’re used to having plenty of space to themselves. In the aquarium, you can provide them with plenty of space by keeping them in a tank that’s at least 200 gallons.
Black devil stingrays are also known to be quite aggressive. They’re not shy about attacking other fish, and they have been known to kill smaller stingrays.
For these reasons, it’s best to keep black devil stingrays alone. If you must add tank mates, make sure they’re large enough to defend themselves and that they can occupy their own space in the aquarium.
Breeding
Black devil stingrays have been bred in captivity, but it’s still a very rare event. There are only a handful of cases where this has been done successfully.
The biggest challenge with breeding stingrays is getting them to mate. In the wild, they do this by rubbing their ventral side (the underside) against each other. This process is called “coupling”.
In captivity, you can encourage this behavior by putting them in a tank with a smooth substrate. This can be anything from sand to gravel. If the bottom of the tank is too rough, it can damage their delicate skin.
The other thing you need to do is keep the water quality high. Stingrays are very sensitive to water conditions. They need clean, well-oxygenated water.
To breed stingrays, you need at least one male and one female. The female will lay eggs, which the male will then fertilize. Once that’s done, the eggs need to be incubated.
The incubation period for stingray eggs is about three months. During this time, the eggs need to be kept in water that’s around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. After they hatch, the baby stingrays need to be fed live food.
Conclusion
The Black Devil Stingray is an absolutely stunning freshwater fish. They have a unique look that is bound to turn heads whenever someone sees them.
They’re also relatively easy to care for, which is always a bonus.
Overall, we think the Black Devil Stingray is a great choice for anyone looking for a freshwater fish that is both beautiful and relatively easy to take care of.
