sting rays

[justinradke]

are stingrays good in reefs?

 

[Anonymous]

Sadly, stingrays don't do well in reefs. They not only need a lot of swimming room so a BIG tank is a must, but they need large areas of sand to hang out in.

EDIT: Thanks Chris!

 

[tazdevil]

Righty ment to do this as well:

Concur with what he said though, I've only seen happy stingrays in non reef sand bottom tanks that were very large.

 

[Baianotang]

Neither skarks or rays are for reefs. Keep the questions coming...

 

[Anonymous]

Although! Folks should know that sharks, skates, and rays absolutely require the same pristine water conditions as reefs.

 

[Johnsteph10]

It makes me sad to see rays and sharks in little tanks in LFSs. Then they put them on sale and say "Wow, these are cool."

One of the many things better left in the ocean.

John

 

[Arch01]

Is the only reason rays are not for reefs because they require so much open space? Not that I ever plan to do this, but if you had a 20' tank with 10' of open space would that work out? Just wondering... in case I ever work at a zoo or something :grin:

Alex
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[Len]

It's mostly an issue with space, but - like sharks - I have read that electromagnetic and boundary issues in "small areas" (including 20') presents problems for some of these fish.

 

[Anonymous]

This is true, you need to be careful not to have equipment or housing that generates electromagnetic charges (like electrolysis sp? found with concrete in salt water, or when metals come into contact with salt water).

Another problem, especially with youngsters is substrate - sugar fine sand is really best in most instances, though it's not so much a problem for adult sharks, but you still need to be careful.

Len, I'm sure you checked out the outdoor shark and ray areas of LBAOP, but I haven't been there for a while, is it still netted (they were having a problem with herons and other fishing birds taking the easy pickin's). I know that for the most part the aquarium has very good success with the sharks they choose. They're pretty careful what species they take on, as well, and I also know that they have sort of an exchange program with Monterey Bay aquarium. I have to admit, there are times when I really miss my work in the coral lab, mostly with the baby bamboo sharks.

 

[Arch01]

Hmm, interesting. Thanks for your responses.

Alex
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