An American TikToker’s pet stingray excitedly spits out water directly at him, anticipating food as soon as it sees him walk in.
Deion Daniels, 24, who comes from Stockton in California, is the proud owner of the world’s most extraordinary home aquarium – consisting of highly unusual pets – one of which is a baby stingray named Ravioli.
He has recently posted this video of his adorable pet stingray catching him off guard by spitting at him.
As is the case with most stingrays, Deion said that Ravioli is a very intelligent creature.
This very peculiar act is actually a proven common trait among the species, who use the spit-out water as a method for ‘fishing’ insects out of mid-air, and little Ravioli has learned to associate his owner with food – which is probably how this reflex was born.
In an interview for Zenger News, Deion also said that Ravioli is hand tamed and loves to do tricks for guests.
The professional gaming streamer and TikTok content creator also got a baby bamboo shark as a pet to keep Ravioli company, which also features in the videos.
He said the incredible display tank sits pride of place in his living room, adding that his followers were the ones who helped him give the stingray its name.
Deion said he has always wanted to own unusual fish as pets. He told Zenger News: “Growing up, my mom always kept a freshwater tank which gave me my love for aquatics, however I always loved saltwater locations for the unique fish, coral, and colors.
“When I came across Ravioli he just filled me with joy and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to own my dream fish.”
He added: “Stingrays are not a beginner-friendly fish to own, and should be kept by experienced saltwater hobbyists.”
Deion continued to say: “Fun fact: Domesticated stingrays form a special bond with their owner like dogs. Also, it’s illegal to release fish back into the wild where they don’t originate from so an alternative is to donate them to a local aquarium if they become too much for you or if they outgrow your tank.”
“The shark is a brown-banded bamboo shark that is a juvenile aged between six and 12 months.
“They can grow up to three feet in size. An interesting fact about our shark is that I rescued her after she had an unfortunate incident with a triggerfish that took her left eye and damaged her other one.
“Now she is in our safe haven with Ravioli where they get along swimmingly.
“My shark’s name is Bambi. They hatch from eggs. We currently have one featured on our TikTok page that we are going to show from the moment of hatching to growing into an adult.”
