Description
Black Diamond Stingray (Potamotrygon leopoldi – Premium Variant)
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Potamotrygon leopoldi
Common Names: Black Diamond Stingray, BD Ray, Diamond Ray
Family: Potamotrygonidae
Order: Myliobatiformes
Origin: Xingu River Basin, Brazil (Selective captive-bred premium line)
Size: 45 – 60 cm disc diameter
Lifespan: 15 – 20+ years
Tank Zone: Bottom
🌊 Water Parameters
Temperature: 26 – 29°C
pH: 6.4 – 7.2
Hardness: Soft to moderate
TDS: 120 – 200 ppm
🐟 Characteristics
Body Shape: Large circular disc with smooth surface and strong tail
Coloration: Jet-black body with bright white-to-cream spots scattered across the disc
Pattern: High-contrast “diamond” pattern — spots are crisp, round, and evenly distributed in premium-grade individuals
Behavior: Calm, intelligent, responsive to owners
Special Feature: One of the most expensive and sought-after freshwater rays due to its deep black body and high-definition white spotting
🍽️ Diet
Type: Carnivorous
Preferred Foods: Shrimp, earthworms, krill, small fish strips, sinking carnivore pellets
Feeding Frequency: Juveniles: 1–2 times daily; Adults: once daily
Tip: Provide varied protein to maintain growth and coloration.
🛠️ Tank Setup & Maintenance
Tank Size: Minimum 8 ft tank for adults
Substrate: Fine, soft sand to prevent irritation on the ray’s underside
Filtration: Heavy-duty filtration; rays produce high bioload
Decor: Open swimming space, smooth rocks/driftwood only
Lighting: Medium lighting enhances the black-and-white contrast
Water Change: 30–40% weekly; maintain pristine and stable parameters
👥 Social Behavior
Nature: Peaceful with similar-sized species
Tank Mates: Arowana, Silver Dollars, Peacock Bass (non-aggressive), Datnoids, larger catfish
Avoid: Small fish (will be eaten), aggressive/nippy fish
Compatibility: Can be kept with other rays in large systems
Breeding: Possible in large dedicated setups; Black Diamond variants produce high-value offspring
✅ Do’s
• Maintain large tank space
• Provide strong biological filtration
• Feed high-quality protein foods
• Keep parameters stable and soft
❌ Don’ts
• Don’t use gravel or sharp substrate
• Don’t mix with aggressive or fast-nipping species
• Don’t allow ammonia or nitrite spikes
• Don’t expose to sudden temperature or pH changes
⭐ Quick Tip
The Black Diamond Stingray is a luxury freshwater species, prized for its dramatic black coloration and vivid white spots. It becomes a stunning living centerpiece when provided with the right space, soft sand, and crystal-clear water.
