Fiddler Stingray (Trygonorhina fasciata)

The Fiddler Stingray or Trygonorhina fasciata is a just one of the many different species of Stingrays in the world. This particular species is tan with beautifully designed black markings on its body. The Fiddler Stingray has a venomous tail that it used to protect itself from potential predators. Take great care if you are around this type of Stingray in the Coral Sea where they originate.

Fiddler Stingrays go by several different names including Southern Fiddler, Banjo Shark, Dumeril's Shovelnose Ray, Green Skate, Magpie Ray and Parrit. They are occasionally kept in an aquarium setting, but should only be purchased by experienced individuals with a very, very large aquarium. At least 360 gallons is recommended with the following water conditions, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025. This Stingray can grow to 3' in length.A couple things to note if you are going to try and keep this Stingray as a pet. Number one, the Fiddler Stingray will often cover itself with soft substrate on the bottom of the tank. In the wild they are often hard to see as they lie in wait for their prey to pass by. Number two, never expose this fish to copper-based medications, it will cause a bad reaction and sometimes death. Finally, this Stingray should be fed squid or live feeder shrimp in the beginning to get it to accustom to the aquarium. After this it will eat scallops, pieces of fresh marine fish along with the live feeder shrimp. You can check out the Fiddler Stingray in its nature setting in the video below...

Giant Stingray (Himantura chaophraya)

The Giant Stingray or Himantura chaophraya is one of the largest freshwater fish in the world. Also known as the Whip Ray, this massive stingray can grow to 16.5 ft (5m) and weigh in at an amazing 1,320 lbs (600 kg)! They are gray or brown in color and shaped like most other stingrays with a flat body and a long tail with a stinger on it. This stinger can reach lengths of 15 inches (38 centimeters) and can easily pierce through human skin and bone. If that didn't freak you out yet consider the fact that their stingers are also often venomous!

Giant Stingrays were only things of legend until 20 years ago when the first one was documented. For this reason, little is known about these monsters including their population size and habitats. Stories of these fish capsizing boats have even been reported. To see a Giant Stingray in action check out this video...



The few places that Giant stingrays have been spotted include Thailand, Borneo, New Guinea, and northern Australia. These creatures will often camouflage themselves by bury themselves in sandy river bottoms. Giant Stingrays have the ability to detect their prey by sensing their electrical fields! Quite an impressive trait!If you have more information about Giant Stingrays that you would like to add please do so in the comments below...

Blue Spotted Stingray

The Blue Spotted Stingray or Taeniura lymma is actually part of the shark family. This saltwater fish is found in the West Pacific, East Africa, Red Sea, East Africa, Japan and parts of southern Australia. The Blue Spotted Stingray are found around reefs in relatively shallow water of up to 65'. They feed on crustaceans that they find around the coral reefs. These Stingrays can grow to about 14" in width and over 3' in length with their tail. The Blue Spotted Stingray is often found in groups and can be buried in the sand which makes them extremely hard to spot. Approach with caution, the large tail spine of the blue spot stingray is dangerous and can even be deadly. The venomous barbs are so huge that there have been reports of people bleeding to death from the wound. You can check out the Blue Spotted Stingray underwater in the video below...

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