pregnant stingray

[eddi]

or so at least I think!

I purchased a female Florida Spotted ray and it has gotten real 'fat'. I assume it is pregnant even though I am well aware of how difficult it is to breed rays in captivity. I am keeping a close eye on her and checking my water parameters in a daily basis; does anyone know where I can get any info on rays gestation and how to care for the young(s) if and when she delivers?

Thanks,

Eddi

 

[danmhippo]

never had one but just wondering how big your humongous tank is. Must be pretty awsome.

 

[Anonymous]

I'm guessing you have a Urolophus jamaicensis, now as far as it being pregnant that would depend on how long you've had it. Gestation on these is about 2 to 3 months and the litter size can be between 1 and 6. If you do not have any other predators in the tank and they are born you should be able to feed them on live annelid worms, live black worms or frozen bloodworms.
Remember though that a healthy ray is fat with a noticable hump not flat.

Regards,
David Mohr

 

[Bobzarry]

I believe rays like many in the shark family lay egg capsules. But you should do a search on your particular type of Ray.


Bob

 

[Anonymous]

Originally posted by Bobzarry:
I believe rays like many in the shark family lay egg capsules. But you should do a search on your particular type of Ray.

Granted he should do research on his particular ray but the young of these develope by Ovoviviparity the eggs are retained in the oviducts until the young are fully deleloped.
They are born live.

Regards,
David Mohr

 

[eddi]

David,

I have had the ray for just over a month. I contacted the diver I bought it from and he told me he had it for about a week. Wish I had known then, I would have told him to set it free. But anyway, I knew they have live births, but that's all. As far as tank mates, all I have are two eels, a snowflake and a geometric. I don't think either of them should bother the young(s). Thanks for specifying what to feed them.

Hippo,

I have a 360 gallon tank. If everything works out and I am able to keep the young(s) I will post pictures.

Eddi