Death Curl:  What does it look like?

A symptom related to premature death in Potamotrygon - the dreaded 'Death Curl' is when a stingray begins to curl it's disc upward.  No one can scientifically explain what induces Death Curl in freshwater stingrays. It most likely occurs as a result of damage to the nervous system and the deterioration of muscle tissue in the disc.  This can be a secondary effect of malnourishment, acute stress, or ammonia poisoning.

It is greatly known widespread, that once a stingray begins to curl it's disc upwards, it will soon perish a short time thereafter.  Some records of people relieving the ray of this death curl have been made, but they are very few and far between.  Increased temperature, salt, darkness, water change, black worms and removing tankmates in combination have been known to 'cure' this morbid ailment.  Speculation of these treatments has been made by many stingray experts, and that the best prevention to Death Curl is proper stingray Husbandry and Care.

The death curl usually begins towards the rear of the disc.  At this time, you may notice your stingray acting sluggish or refusing food.  A prequel to death curl could also be that your stingray is continuously burrowed in the substrate.  Check your water parameters, Ammonia and Nitrite are often the causes of these conditions.  Remove any possible stresses.

The curling continues by lifting the rest of the disc.

The end result is death. Notice the rigid effect 'Death Curl' induces.

It has also been noted that rays have been seen developing a type of 'Reverse Death Curl', in which the disc curls downwards and lifts the ray. This is usually a sure sign of poor water quality, and is easily fixable.

Your Stingray behavior should be consistent, and any sort of curling or awkward behavior observed should be an immediate sign to check water quality.  The ability to do large frequent water changes is a must, which is why most raykeepers do not alter pH or add blackwater extracts.  If your ray is acting like the one below, take immediate action.