
Hypanus sabinus
Family: Dasyatidae ยท Rays & Stingrays
Also known as: Atlantic Round Stingray, Sabine Stingray
The Atlantic Stingray is a small, adaptable ray found throughout the western Atlantic from Chesapeake Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. It is one of few euryhaline stingrays, capable of thriving in freshwater, brackish, and full marine environments. Its disc is broadly rounded with a pointed snout, and coloration ranges from yellowish-brown to dark brown dorsally with a lighter underside.
In the aquarium, this species requires a large, open sand bed where it can bury itself and forage for food. Despite its relatively small size compared to other rays, it still demands a substantial tank with excellent filtration. The venomous barb on the tail requires careful handling during maintenance.
This ray is best suited for experienced aquarists who understand the specialized care requirements of elasmobranchs. It feeds readily on meaty foods once acclimated and can become quite interactive with its keeper over time.
Feed a varied diet of fresh and frozen meaty foods including shrimp, squid, clams, and silversides. Offer food 2-3 times daily, placing it near the ray on the sand bed. Vitamin-enriched foods help maintain long-term health.
Peaceful with fish too large to eat. Avoid housing with aggressive species or small invertebrates that may be consumed.
Check CompatibilityAtlantic Stingrays are ovoviviparous, giving live birth. Breeding in home aquaria is extremely rare and requires very large systems with precise environmental conditions.