CHONDRICHTHYES: SQUALEA: POTAMOTRYGONIDAE: Potamotrygon

Potamotrygon

Orange-spotted river stingray

Photos and text by Dr. Robert Sprackland.

Range: The Amazon River and is tributaries. A freshwater species.

Diagnosis: A nearly round-disked species with numerous small dark-edged orange spots.

Description: A round ray with a long tail ending in a sub-triangular tail fin. The upper surface is dark brown to black, and is covered by numerous dark-edged orange spots. Ventrally pale gray with no markings. The spiracle is larger than the eyes.

Natural History: These rays live in a variety of river habitats. Local peoples fear the stingrays more than the piranhas, as the sting of the ray is both painful and dangerously venomous.

These fishes are generally shy and reclusive, feeding on small fishes and aquatic invertebrates that they ambush from concealment under the muddy river bottom. They may become quite large (1.1 m) and are large enough to provide an important protein source to many Amazonian peoples.

This is a closely related species of Potamotrygon, and differs mainly 
in having large white spots and a more heart-shaped disk. 

Taxonomy & Relationships: This family contains a great many similar fresh-water ray species.

This is another closely related species of river stingray.

Variation:

Additional Comments: These rays are occasionally offered for sale in the aquarium hobby, but as they grow to immense size hey should be kept only by experienced--and prepared--aquarists.

Type Specimen:

Literature: