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.
Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond) At a Glance
Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond) Tank Requirements
Will Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond) fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond) needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond) against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond) Water Parameters
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Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond) Temperament & Compatibility
Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond) Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard / Adult
Adult Leopoldi rays reach huge proportions (up to 60cm/24 inches in disk width alone, not counting the tail). They need immense tanks with massive footprints (minimum 8 feet long and 3 feet wide). They produce enormous bioloads and will eat any fish that fits in their mouth.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Adult Ray, Breeder
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Ray 'pups' are usually sold at around 10-15cm (4-6 inches) across. They grow rapidly, are highly sensitive to water parameters, and require frequent feedings of high-protein foods. While they can be temporarily housed in smaller setups, a massive permanent enclosure is inevitable.
Differs in 4 traits from base species
Also known as: Pup, Baby Ray
Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond) Care Guide Summary
The Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond), scientifically known as Potamotrygon leopoldi, 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 Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond) requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 1135 litres and a tank length of at least 240 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 26°C and 30°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 3–10 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond) 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.
Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond) Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond), 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.
Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond) Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond) 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, ornamental shrimp are not safe companions, and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond) Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond) 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond)
How big does Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond) get?
Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond) (Potamotrygon leopoldi) 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 Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond) need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 1135 litres and a tank length of at least 240 cm are recommended for Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond). This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond) need?
Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond) thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 26–30°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 3–10 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond) peaceful or aggressive?
Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond) is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 5 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond) live alone?
Yes, Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond) can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond) safe with shrimp?
No. Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond) 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 Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond) have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond) 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 Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond)
These plants pair well with Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond) 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
Christmas Moss
Vesicularia montagnei
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Fish Similar to Leopoldi Stingray (Black Diamond)
Flower Stingray
Potamotrygon schroederi
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.
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.
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.
Black Diamond Cichlid
Paratilapia polleni
A striking, highly intelligent cichlid native to the island of Madagascar. Commonly known as the Starry Night Cichlid due to its velvety jet-black body covered in brilliant iridescent white, blue, or gold spots. They possess a large mouth and are piscivorous (fish-eating), making them a threat to smaller tank mates. They are robust, aggressively territorial, and best kept as solitary showpiece fish or in heavily managed, large cichlid communities.
Chocolate Gourami
Sphaerichthys osphromenoides
A delicate, highly specialized labyrinth fish native to the peat swamp forests of Southeast Asia. Known for its rich chocolate-brown coloration and vertical cream bands. It is notorious for being sensitive to water quality fluctuations and requires extremely soft, acidic 'blackwater' to thrive and resist bacterial infections. Best kept in a heavily planted, mature species-only setup or with very peaceful, small nano fish.
Loricaria lundbergi
Loricaria lundbergi
A slender, highly camouflaged whiptail catfish native to the deep, blackwater river channels of the Rio Negro and Rio Madeira basins. Unlike many suckermouth catfish, they are primarily insectivores and detritivores, actively sifting through the substrate for aquatic insect larvae rather than eating algae. They are peaceful, facultative air-breathers that require a soft sand substrate to prevent damage to their delicate mouths.