Origin
Native to the western Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, ranging from Florida to northern South America, including the Bahamas and Gulf of Mexico.

Visual & Functional Appeal
Features an oval, disk-like body with rounded edges and a long, thin tail equipped with a venomous spine. Its yellow-speckled camouflage offers a mesmerizing natural aesthetic in lagoon-style marine setups.

Purpose
Adds graceful bottom-level movement and behaves differently than most reef fish. Often used in species-focused displays or marine research exhibits. Helps sift sand while foraging.

Importance
Ideal for experienced marine aquarists interested in unique bottom-dwellers. Offers a highly engaging alternative to reef fish, with expressive behaviors and impressive motion.

Included Resources
Requires a minimum 180–250 gallon open-bottom tank with soft sand (no sharp grains), zero obstructions, excellent filtration, and low vertical hardscape. A secure lid is mandatory.

Best Use Cases
Best in species-only or stingray-focused displays. Not suitable for reef tanks. Can cohabit with very calm, non-aggressive bottom-dwellers or open-water fish that stay mid-to-top level.

Conservation Context
Populations are relatively stable but vulnerable to overcollection in shallow coastal zones. Habitat loss from tourism and coastal development poses long-term risks.

Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Smooth trunkfish
• Large wrasses (non-aggressive)
• Tangs (cautious compatibility)
• Avoid inverts, aggressive triggers, and small fish

Region (A)
• Latitude: 24.5557° N
• Longitude: -81.7826° W
(Key West, Florida – shallow reef flats)

Region (B)
• Latitude: 13.9094° N
• Longitude: -60.9789° W
(Saint Lucia – sandy seagrass beds and reef edges)