Albino Black Diamond Stingray

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Potamotrygon leopoldi (Albino Black Diamond Variant)
• Family: Potamotrygonidae
• Order: Myliobatiformes
• Origin: Xingu River, Brazil (Amazon River Basin)

Physical Appearance

• Coloration: Unlike the standard Black Diamond stingray, which has a black base with white or yellow spots, the albino version has a creamy white or golden-yellow body with translucent or faded patterns.
• Eyes: Pink or red due to the lack of melanin.
• Disc Shape: Round and smooth with slightly wavy edges, contributing to the “diamond” effect.
• Tail: Long and whip-like, equipped with a venomous barb used for self-defense.

Size & Growth

• Adult Size:
  • Diameter: 24-30 inches (60-76 cm)
  • Length (including tail): Up to 3 feet (90 cm)
• Growth Rate: Rapid in the first year, reaching over 12 inches in diameter within the first 12-18 months if well-fed.

Natural Habitat

• Native to: Brazil’s Xingu River, a fast-flowing tributary of the Amazon.
• Water Conditions:
  • Soft, warm water with low pH due to tannins from decomposing plant matter.
  • Substrate: Sandy and muddy riverbeds, allowing them to burrow and camouflage.

Tank Requirements & Setup

Since Albino Black Diamond Stingrays grow large and require pristine water, their tank setup is crucial.

Tank Size & Space

• Minimum Tank Size: 300-500 gallons (Larger for a pair or breeding group).
• Tank Dimensions: Wide and shallow tanks are preferred to allow free movement.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 78-84°F (25-29°C)
• pH Level: 6.5-7.5 (Slightly acidic to neutral)
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2-12 dGH)
• Ammonia/Nitrites: 0 ppm (Stingrays are highly sensitive to poor water quality).
• Filtration:
  • Strong biological and mechanical filtration.
  • Frequent water changes (30-50% per week) to maintain water clarity.
  • Sump filters or large canister filters are recommended.

Substrate & Decorations

• Fine Sand: Helps prevent injury to their delicate underbelly.
• Minimal Decor: Open swimming space is needed, but driftwood, rocks, and large-leaved plants (like Anubias) can be added for aesthetics.

Diet & Feeding

Albino Black Diamond Stingrays are carnivorous and require a high-protein diet.

Preferred Foods

• Live/Frozen Foods:

  • Bloodworms
  • Blackworms
  • Shrimp
  • Small fish (like silversides)
  • Earthworms
  • Crustaceans (like crayfish)

• Pellets & Prepared Foods

  • High-quality sinking carnivore pellets
  • Freeze-dried krill

• Feeding Frequency

  • Juveniles: 2-3 times daily
  • Adults: Once or twice daily

Behavior & Tank Mates

• Temperament: Generally peaceful but territorial with other bottom dwellers.

• Social Interaction: Intelligent and can recognize their owners, often coming to the glass during feeding time.

• Best Tank Mates:

  • Arowanas (Large, surface-dwelling fish)
  • Peacock Bass
  • Datnoids
  • Large Plecos (Non-aggressive species only)
  • Large Catfish (such as Tiger Shovelnose, Lima Shovelnose)

• Avoid:

  • Small fish (can be eaten)
  • Aggressive cichlids (like Oscars, which may nip at the stingray’s disc)
  • Other bottom-dwellers (can compete for space)

Lifespan & Health

• Lifespan: 10-15 years, with some living over 20 years in optimal conditions.
• Common Health Issues:
  • Stress-related illnesses due to poor water quality.
  • Barb injuries (their venomous sting can be dangerous if mishandled).
  • Bacterial infections if wounds occur on their delicate skin.

Breeding

Albino Black Diamond Stingrays are livebearers, meaning they give birth to fully developed pups rather than laying eggs.

Breeding Conditions

• Maturity: Around 2-3 years of age.
• Courtship: Males often nip at the female’s disc to initiate mating.
• Gestation: 3-4 months (Females carry 3-6 pups per litter).
• Birth: Pups are born fully developed and start feeding immediately.

Albino genetics are rare, so breeding requires two albino parents or a heterozygous carrier of the albino gene.