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[RoyalFlush]

Now from what I have been told it usually take about two years for a female ray to reach sexual maturity. Males on the other hand can become fully rolled at a much younger age.

So here is my question. Is this true for all rays? Or does it vary between different morphs? For example will a female Castexi reach sexual maturity in the same time that a female Hystrix would? Considering water parameters are kept pristine and food varied and wholesome.

Also when it comes to male rays. Do they roll at a younger age only in the presence of a sexually mature female?
Or is there another factor that comes into play?
Just curious.
Thanks for any replies.
-Tom

[Miles]

It's really hard to estimate.. especially since you can't judge age on a wild-caught ray.

From what I've seen, the larger species of rays take longer to mature.. Rays like Tiger and Castexi would probably take a very long to become sexually mature, especially the females.  Keep in mind they have much larger pups, and many more at a time, so they will need more birthing capacity!

Smaller Rays like Reticulata have been known to have fully rolled claspers at 6" and less than 1 yr.. and some have bred at around that 1 year age!

I think 2 years is a good estimate, especially for the commonplace rays like Motoros..  not sure on Hystrix.

You might find this link interesting, and I will post it up as well;
http://journal.nafo.int/35/charvet-almeida/22-charvet-almeida.html

[RoyalFlush]

Thanks Miles. The article was very interesting.

[keepinfish]

reticulated mature at 6" and 1 year old? that is crazy.

[RoyalFlush]

Yeah that is crazy. I am going to be doing some wicked experiments this summer with this.