stingrays

Question
QUESTION: Hello, I have a 300 gallon salt water tank. I have been running this tank for 6 years. I want to buy a small stingray, if you had any ideas that would be great. I like the rays that are in this video, here is the URL. thanks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-A9iyGQyZY

How to Set Up Aquariums : Misconceptions About Saltwater Stingrays

ANSWER: Hi James

Unfortunately the man hosting that video does not really have an idea as to what he is talking about.  

I personally wouldn't put a stingray in a 300g tank, especially if it has lots of rock and other obstacles.  Stingrays do not do well in captivity and should be left in the wild.  They particularly do not do well in square or rectangular tanks.  They do better in circular tanks.

Also, no stingray stays small.  They get massive.  I would not recommend that you buy a stingray.

Kind Regards

Michael

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thankyou for looking at the video, but for reference are there are species that stay under 17inches?

Answer
Hi James

From my understanding, there are several species (names evade me) in which the DIAMETER of the BODY stays under 17".  However, you need to account for the length of that tail as well which can sometimes be up to twice the length of the body diameter.

Kind Regards

Michael