Posted by Guy on February 26, 2003 at 21:28:53:
In Reply to: Re: stingray max size? posted by gazel99 on February 26, 2003 at 07:20:37:
A note of caution... There are a few species sold as "Teacup" stingrays" which while usually sold at a small size (3-4" disc) do get considerably larger than other FW rays not so designated. For example, P. reticulatus(sp?) is the most common of the "teacups" but it reaches at least 18" across, if not considerably more, the while the species known as P. hystrix seems to max out at about 12" but does not bear any diminutive reference in the common name, as far as I know. My sole P. reticulatus has proven the fastest growing of all my rays (3 species represented by 5 specimens in my care) growing from 3 /12' to about 9-10" in the time an originally larger motoro ( about 6" initially)took to reach the same size. Of course this may well be due to a difference in foods fed to the two different tank (the motoro getting a more varied diet of Ghost shrimp, live blood worms, feeder minnows/goldfish, while the retic pretty much just got live worms at the bottom of my discus tank) In a similar vein, the difference may be in part due to the retic being kept in a warmer tank (discus range) that the young motoro. In either case, a 75 may suffice for a year, if you start with very young specimens. Remember with rays its better to have more space on the patio than vaulted ceilings!
Guy
