A stunning, large-growing freshwater stingray native to the Rio Negro and Orinoco basins. They feature intricate rosette or flower-like patterns. As apex predators, they require massive aquariums, exceptional biological filtration due to extreme bioloads, and a fine sand substrate to prevent injury to their soft bellies. They possess a venomous tail barb and must be handled with extreme caution.
Flower Stingray At a Glance
Flower Stingray Tank Requirements
Will Flower Stingray fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Flower Stingray needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Flower Stingray against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Flower Stingray Water Parameters
Water care products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Flower Stingray Temperament & Compatibility
Flower Stingray Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard (Adult)
Fully grown adult. The 60cm length represents the Disc Width (total length including the tail can exceed 90cm). They will consume any fish small enough to fit under their disk. Requires exceptionally large custom aquariums.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Adult Flower Ray, Breeder Ray
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Juvenile 'pup' stage. While they can be grown out in slightly smaller footprint tanks initially, they grow rapidly and must be upgraded. Pups are extremely sensitive to water parameter fluctuations and require high-protein live/frozen foods.
Differs in 4 traits from base species
Also known as: Pup, Baby Ray
Flower Stingray Care Guide Summary
The Flower Stingray, scientifically known as Potamotrygon schroederi, belongs to the Oddballs family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 60 cm and have a depressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a extreme level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Flower Stingray requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 1700 litres and a tank length of at least 240 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 29°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 1–12 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Flower Stingray is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Standard (Adult) and Juvenile (Grow-out). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Flower Stingray Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Flower Stingray, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured and live planted layouts may be difficult to maintain, as this species tends to uproot or consume vegetation.
Flower Stingray Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Flower Stingray is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will likely be eaten and ornamental shrimp are not safe companions. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Flower Stingray Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Flower Stingray is a predatory species that will readily consume small fish, so nano or bite-sized tankmates should be avoided, will hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, making it unsuitable for shrimp-focused setups, and will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed.
Feeding products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
.webp?2026-04-25T14%3A35%3A38.022Z)
Frequently Asked Questions About Flower Stingray
How big does Flower Stingray get?
Flower Stingray (Potamotrygon schroederi) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 60 cm. They have a depressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Flower Stingray need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 1700 litres and a tank length of at least 240 cm are recommended for Flower Stingray. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Flower Stingray need?
Flower Stingray thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–29°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 1–12 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Flower Stingray peaceful or aggressive?
Flower Stingray is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 6 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Flower Stingray live alone?
Yes, Flower Stingray can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Flower Stingray safe with shrimp?
No. Flower Stingray is known to eat ornamental shrimp and is not recommended for shrimp tanks. Even larger shrimp species like Amano Shrimp may be at risk.
Does Flower Stingray have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Flower Stingray benefits from sand (sifters) and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Flower Stingray
These plants pair well with Flower Stingray based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Belinda's Buce
Bucephalandra belindae
Buce Motleyana
Bucephalandra motleyana
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Dwarf Buce
Bucephalandra pygmaea
Fish Similar to Flower Stingray
Motoro Stingray
Potamotrygon motoro
A spectacular but highly demanding freshwater stingray native to South America, instantly recognizable by its orange-spot 'peacock' pattern. They are massive, heavy-polluting predators that require huge aquariums with pristine water quality. A soft sand substrate is absolutely mandatory to prevent severe bacterial infections on their delicate underbellies. Note: They possess a venomous tail stinger.
Antennae Stingray
Plesiotrygon iwamae
The Antennae Stingray is a delicate, rare freshwater ray native to the Amazon basin. It is distinctive for its extremely long, whip-like tail that can be more than twice its disc width. They require a massive aquarium with an enormous footprint, pristine water quality, and a soft, fine sand substrate to bury themselves. As large piscivores, they will consume any tank mate small enough to fit in their mouths.
Teacup Stingray (Common Freshwater Ray)
Potamotrygon laticeps
The term 'Teacup Stingray' is a highly deceptive trade name used for juvenile freshwater stingrays (often P. laticeps, P. motoro, or P. reticulata). They are not a miniature species. They are highly intelligent, predatory bottom-dwellers that require pristine water, massive aquariums, and fine sand to prevent lethal infections on their soft underbellies.
Peacock Bass Orinocensis
Cichla orinocensis
A massive, highly predatory South American cichlid native to the Orinoco and Rio Negro basins. Famous for its vibrant coloration and three distinct circular rosettes (ocelli) on its sides. They grow extremely fast and require enormous aquariums with heavy filtration. They are apex predators that will consume any fish that fits into their large mouths.
Arapaima
Arapaima gigas
One of the largest true freshwater fish in the world, native to the Amazon basin. Arapaima are obligate air-breathers and extreme predators. Due to their massive adult size and explosive growth rate, they are almost entirely unsuited for home aquaria and require highly specialized, heated, pond-sized enclosures.
Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond)
Potamotrygon leopoldi
The Black Diamond or Leopoldi Stingray is a spectacular, high-value freshwater ray native to the Xingu River basin in Brazil. They are deep black with striking white spots. As massive bottom-dwellers, they require colossal aquariums with pristine water quality, immense biological filtration, and soft sand substrates to prevent fatal bacterial infections on their undersides. Note: They possess a venomous tail spine.