Marbled Stingray

The Marbled Stingray is a large Western Pacific ray distinguished by its beautiful marbled patterning of dark and light brown across its dorsal surface. The disc has a somewhat angular shape with a pointed snout, and the long, whip-like tail carries a venomous barb. Adults can reach disc widths of approximately 36 inches, making this a substantial species that requires very large aquarium systems.

In its natural habitat, this ray inhabits sandy and muddy bottoms in coastal waters and estuaries of Southeast Asia. It uses its electroreceptive ampullae of Lorenzini to detect prey items buried beneath the substrate, feeding primarily on crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish.

Aquarium care demands a spacious tank with extensive open floor space, a deep sand bed, and powerful filtration capable of handling the heavy bioload that rays produce. This species is reserved for expert aquarists with significant elasmobranch experience.