Few freshwater fish match the elegance and mystique of the Black Diamond Stingray (Potamotrygon leopoldi). With their rich, velvet-black bodies and shimmering white spots, these rays are true living art in the aquarium. But before adding one to your tank, it’s essential to understand their specific needs, care requirements, and long-term commitment.
🖤 What Is a Black Diamond Stingray?
The Black Diamond is a selectively bred variant of the Leopoldi Stingray, native to the Xingu River in Brazil. These rays are prized for their intense contrast: deep black coloration adorned with bright, symmetrical white or yellowish spots. They’re a type of freshwater stingray, part of the Potamotrygonidae family, and are considered one of the most luxurious and high-end freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby.
📏 Size & Growth
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Adult Size: 18–24 inches in disc width, with tails that can extend much longer
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Growth Rate: Fast, especially when young
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These rays require large tanks and long-term planning — they are not for small or temporary setups.
🏠 Tank Requirements
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Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons; wider footprint tanks (8x3 feet or more) are ideal
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Substrate: Soft, fine sand — never gravel, as it can damage their delicate undersides
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Filtration: Over-sized filtration system with strong biological capacity. Stingrays are heavy waste producers.
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Water Movement: Moderate to high with excellent oxygenation
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Tank Decor: Minimal — smooth driftwood or rounded stones only. Avoid anything sharp or rough.
💧 Water Parameters
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Temperature: 78–84°F (25–29°C)
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pH: 6.5–7.5
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Ammonia/Nitrite: Absolutely 0 — stingrays are very sensitive to poor water quality
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Weekly water changes (25–50%) are crucial for their health.
🍽️ Feeding Black Diamond Stingrays
Black Diamonds are carnivores and require a high-protein diet.
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Foods They Love:
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Live or frozen bloodworms
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Blackworms
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Shrimp
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Cut tilapia or fish
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Earthworms
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High-quality sinking carnivore pellets (once trained)
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Feed juveniles 2–3 times a day; adults can be fed once daily.
🤝 Tank Mates
Choose tank mates very carefully:
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Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping fish
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Avoid anything small enough to be eaten
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Good companions:
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Large silver dollars
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Peaceful arowanas
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Large datnoids
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Certain bichirs
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Other stingrays (if tank is large enough)
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Always monitor new additions — stingrays are vulnerable to stress and aggression.
🧠 Behavior & Personality
Black Diamond Stingrays are surprisingly intelligent, often recognizing their owners and displaying feeding behaviors at the glass. They glide gracefully and spend most of their time on the substrate, occasionally burying themselves in sand.
⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind
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Cost: Black Diamonds are expensive
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Space: They need a large, permanent tank.
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Lifespan: With proper care, they can live 15–20 years.
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Legal Check: Stingray ownership is restricted in some U.S. states (like CA, FL, and TX). Always check local laws before purchasing.
✅ Is a Black Diamond Right for You?
Owning a Black Diamond Stingray is a rewarding experience for experienced aquarists who can provide the space, water quality, and attention these incredible creatures need. They're not a casual purchase — they're a long-term commitment and an investment in both time and resources.
