Stingrays and Puffers

[Aquai]

Do they mix?

If not what about lionfish and puffers, Reason i ask is because i've fallen in love with the blue spotted rays and would like to get one, but would want to house it with something else (probably) and i was thinking 2 tangs and a puffer (dog-face) but needed confirmation on if this would work or not?

[HotRod68Camaro]

Not possible with the ray. Im not sure on the lion but most puffers are fin nippers.

[LionfishFinatic]

i think you will be fine with a lion and a puffer, not so much a ray. maybe have 2 seperate tanks, 1 tank make it a ray tank and the other w/ lion and puffer.

[Aquai]

If i already have the puffer and haven't seen any signs of agression towards any other fish as of yet do you think there's any chance?

I may go for just the ray then, any ideas for tankmates for it?

Edit-
Just been on Liveaquaria and had a look at thir compatibility chart, says that the following can co-exist with rays with caution:
Large Anglers
Eels
Foxfish/Rabbitfish
Groupers
Grunts/Sweetlips
Hogfish
Lions/Scorpions
Parrotfish
Sharks/Rays
Squirrelfish
Tangs/Surgeons
Wrasse (Fish Only)
Live Coral/Sand/Rock

Puffers weren't on there, however people say you can't house puffers with inverts and mines been living with 5 hermits and various shrimps without problems, i think a lot of it is to do with personailty of the fish...

[HotRod68Camaro]

For the $ you are going to shell out for a ray it isnt even worth risking.

[Aquai]

This is true, the ray will cost about $150 i believe so i wouldn't want to risk him getting beat up, maybe i should ditch the puffer idea, or have a backup tank ready for him . . .

[crazyelece]

I'd have a backup tank ready in case any fish were to have problems. Tangs and angels may also pick at the ray and injure/kill it

[bluewatr24]

hahaha puffers and lions dont go my roomate had them in his 120 and the puffer 7'' destroyed all the fins on the lion 13'' volitan

[Aquai]

Ouch, what type of puffer though?

Apparently dogface are the most commonly docile?

[ledford1]

If you mix a Voltian and a puffer, I think the safest option is a Dogface, but still no guarantees.

My Dogface and Volitan always got along and even seemed to be pals.

I would suggest a species only tank for the rays. If you just wanted to put something else in there, an eel might be a suggestion.

[Aquai]

The reason i feel it could work is because i saw a blue-spot in a full FOWLR tank which included tangs, butterflies, angels and a puffer. I'm just wondering if it's a risk i want to take. . .

[bluewatr24]

no he had a dog face but that was how his tank use to be the new addition always use to eat the old one watched one night as the lion swallowed a 300$ australian tusk watxched it happen fish was still breathing in the lions mouth face out wards he ran over there tried to go for the fish to get it out "he knows its poisonis" but the tusk fish did a 180 and swam deeper in the lions stomach

[sixball]

As others have said, a puffer would be a very bad idea with a ray, as the ray makes a very easy target for the puffer. Angels and butterflies can also cause major damage to rays. The tank that you saw was not a very appropriate setup for the ray.

Another word of caution to you on your choice of ray. The blue spot ray you are referring to is most likely the blue spot ribbontail ray which has a dismal survival record in captivity, with most not making it past 6 months. People that have had success have done so with large systems (>300 gallons) and lots of elasmobranch experience.

I highly encourage you to do your research before attempting one of these rays. A great starting point is Scott Michael's "Aquarium Sharks and Rays".

Mike

[Aquai]

That's what i'm doing atm hehe :D

Research research research

And yes i've heard about their survival rates (or lack of as it is). And i didn't think it was an ideal setup for the ray (practically a normal FOWLR with a ray as well) however it was a 600gal thing (18 ft or something)

Any other nice rays people can think of? I would get an eel or octpus, but don't fancy the idea of it escaping. Basically i'm looking for something with a "wow" factor :)

[d_hartke]

I wanted a ray too, but can't have it. the LFS said that it is an easy target AND can't handle the higher phosphate that is produced do to the aggressive appetite of the other fish(lions, puffers, triggers, and groupers). The other concern is that it will need enough room on the bottom of the tank to move around and turn. As far as lions and puffers, I've never had a problem. The only thing my lion ate was my powder blue tang :( Lions will eat what fits in their mouth.