1. Remove the stingray from your aquarium, using a net similar to the one shown below. Handle the ray with extreme care.

2. Place the ray on a smooth flat surface. Cover the ray with a heavy towel to protect damaging the rays skin, and ensuring you don't get poked with the spine.

3. Hold the rays body still, move the tail in to position and using the towel to protect you from the spine. Using a large nail clipper, wire cutting pliers, or small metal snips, cut the spine off at 1/8" to 1/4" from the tail. Don't cut the tail.

4. The spine is shown in the picture below. Place the ray back into the aquarium.

5. The spine will grow back, often in 5 to 6 weeks. But activity, diet, seasonal changes, and other environmental factors can affect the growth time.