About Urobatis maculatus Garman, 1913
Urobatis maculatus, commonly called the spotted round ray or Cortez round stingray, is a species of round ray in the genus Urobatis and family Urotrygonidae. This species is endemic to Mexico. Its natural habitats include shallow seas, subtidal aquatic beds, coral reefs, estuarine waters, intertidal marshes, and coastal saline lagoons. Spotted round rays grow to a total length of 42 centimetres, or 17 inches. Due to its hardiness and smaller size, the spotted round ray is well suited for captivity and is a favorable candidate for breeding in aquaria. It can be maintained in an aquarium with a minimum volume of 180 gallons. Recommended tank conditions include fine substrate, minimal decor, a large bottom surface area to provide sufficient swimming space, excellent filtration, protected internal tank equipment (heaters and filter intakes can be protected by surrounding them with polyurethane foam barriers), and a secure lid. Individuals in the aquarium trade may be confused with the round stingray, Urobatis halleri, which is also sometimes called the Cortez ray in the aquarium hobby. The spotted round ray can host the parasitic flatworm Pleorchis magniporus.
