California stingray lifespan

[Sandylk]

I only seem to get about three/four years of life out of the California stingrays. They always are doing fabulously and then stop eating and eventually die. Water conditions test perfect….300 gallon pond type setup. Horn shark is five years old and is doing fine. Any suggestions?

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

I've seen estimates for the lifespan of these rays ranging from 8-14 years.

Can you give us some more info on the rays and the tank like:
-How big are the rays when you get them?
-What exactly are your tank parameters?
-What and how often are you feeding?
-What equipment do you have in the tank?
-What livestock do you have in the tank?
-Do you have pics of the tank/can you describe the aquascape (both sand/rubble and rocks)?

 

[jda]

I only have a small amount of experience with these, but their lifespan is not good if you are keeping them at or much above 70 degrees with the horn shark. We had some in an account and we kept them near 60 and they ate better and were more active. This was more than 25 years ago and my memory could be bad, so don't take this for much.

 

[Sandylk]

Thanks. The parameters stated on the site where we purchased the rays said temp between 72-78. We keep it at 73. But this is a thought. It’s just so frustrating. They are eating like pigs and doing great for 3 years and all the sudden just lose interest in any food and slowly starve to death. Horrible.

 

[Sandylk]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

I've seen estimates for the lifespan of these rays ranging from 8-14 years.

Can you give us some more info on the rays and the tank like:
-How big are the rays when you get them?
-What exactly are your tank parameters?
-What and how often are you feeding?
-What equipment do you have in the tank?
-What livestock do you have in the tank?
-Do you have pics of the tank/can you describe the aquascape (both sand/rubble and rocks)?

 

[Sandylk]

I can’t figure out how to send the video of our setup…ugh.

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

I can’t figure out how to send the video of our setup…ugh.

Most people upload to YouTube and link here for videos.

Edit: To add, the temperature thing is definitely something to consider; temperature can impact lifespan and growth in a number of different marine species, and exceeding certain temperature limits for a species may basically slowly kill them over time as well (arguabky the best known examples of this slow death in the hobby are seen with bluespot jawfish and margarita snails, which both do poorly at reef temperatures).

 

[jda]

If you mean Urobatis Halleri, then I don't think that they are in water that even gets to 72/73 very often, let alone constantly. Perhaps reach out to some local biologists and see what they recommend, but temps in the 60s might be where they land.