Blue Spotted Ray Trouble

[333eos]

I am having trouble getting it to eat. I have had it for 3 days and have not seen it eat. I have tried shrimp and crab. I have bought some feeder fish doubt that will work though. I am getting some ghost shrimp tomorrow any other suggestions. It is in a 125 gallon tank that has been cycled for about 2 months with a large grouper. I have a fine sand bottom, a medium current, over 200 watts of PC with moonlights, and a gravity fed 20 gallon refuge. Had to give the tank info so if anyone had a question on setup it would be answered. He is a beautiful looking ray does anyone have any ideas?

[Reefland]

Hi 333eos, Welcome to Reefland!

First of all, I want to make sure you know that a 125gal tank is not large enough for a Taeniura lymna to live in; they should have a vessel that is 3 times their width and 6 times their length. In this case, the Blue Spotted Ray can reach 14" in width.

Anyhow, you might try soaking some meaty food in a vitamin enriched supplement to try and get it to eat, Selcon is one option. Searching for Taeniura lymna on www.wetwebmedia.com will supply some additional information.

[saltjunkie]

you may/ will have to show him the food.. you will have to get it under him and right near his mouth,, for awhile, if not forever...

[333eos]

Thanks the ray is still really small probably 5 inches across and 12 inches long. I will probably be put in a 220 later. I tried to put the food close to the mouth but he wasnt having it. What do you all think about the ghost shrimp? I will try to soak it in garlic extreme see if that helps.

[reefcam]

Good informative thread. Thanks Scott, for the insight. I was going to get one for my next tank, now that my main 224g display tank is sold. Not anymore.

[Ninong]

You can usually find loads of valuable information on just about any species of fish on www.fishbase.org

Here is their listing for this one: http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/Spec...ciesname=lymma

This paragraph covers their natural diet:

Occurs around coral reefs (Ref. 6871). Migrates in groups into shallow sandy areas during the rising tide to feed on mollusks, worms, shrimps, and crabs; disperses on falling tide to seek shelter in caves and under ledges (Ref. 6871). Rarely found buried under the sand (Ref. 12951). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 50449). Small specimens are popular among marine aquarists (Ref. 5578). Does not do well in aquariums (Ref. 12951). Maximum length about 70 cm TL (Ref. 30573).


I looked up Reference 12951: Michael, S.W., 1993 Reef sharks and rays of the world. A guide to their identification, behavior, and ecology. Sea Challengers, Monterey, California. 107 p.

[333eos]

Well I tried to feed it ghost shrimp. He became very active but I did not see it eat. I had a silverside in there with a chunk bit out of it. Fingers crossed. Just an update.

You can usually find loads of valuable information on just about any species of fish on www.fishbase.org

Here is their listing for this one: http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/Spec...ciesname=lymma

This paragraph covers their natural diet:

Occurs around coral reefs (Ref. 6871). Migrates in groups into shallow sandy areas during the rising tide to feed on mollusks, worms, shrimps, and crabs; disperses on falling tide to seek shelter in caves and under ledges (Ref. 6871). Rarely found buried under the sand (Ref. 12951). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 50449). Small specimens are popular among marine aquarists (Ref. 5578). Does not do well in aquariums (Ref. 12951). Maximum length about 70 cm TL (Ref. 30573).


I looked up Reference 12951: Michael, S.W., 1993 Reef sharks and rays of the world. A guide to their identification, behavior, and ecology. Sea Challengers, Monterey, California. 107 p.