What physical requirement, beyond water chemistry, is crucial for managing captive Xingu River Rays?
Answer
Significant uninterrupted bottom surface area for spatial dynamics
A critical insight derived from observing the husbandry of the Xingu River Ray in controlled environments concerns 'spatial dynamics.' While replicating water chemistry (temperature, flow) is necessary, it is insufficient alone. These rays are not primarily column swimmers; they require significant, uninterrupted flat floor space relative to their disc size to allow for natural resting and foraging behaviors. Failing to provide adequate bottom surface area is a common oversight that can lead to stress or injury for the animal.

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