Fin's Fish Guide
The Bigtooth river stingray (Potamotrygon henlei) is a freshwater fish of the family Potamotrygonidae that grows up to 45 cm.
Description
The Bigtooth river stingray is a freshwater stingray (Potamotrygonidae) from fresh water of the Tocantins basin in Brazil. The species grows to about 45 cm across and has a round, flattened disc, which is black with conspicuous orange to yellow spots, and a tail with a venomous spine. As a bottom-dweller it often lies half-buried on sand and mud bottoms of rivers and searches for molluscs, crustaceans and small fish. The tail spine can inflict a very painful wound; never walk on sandy bottoms without shuffling.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bigtooth river stingray?
The Bigtooth river stingray has an irregular in shape body and is mainly brown. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Bigtooth river stingray live?
The Bigtooth river stingray lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America: Brazil
How big does the Bigtooth river stingray get?
The Bigtooth river stingray grows to a maximum of about 45 cm.
Is the Bigtooth river stingray dangerous to humans?
The Bigtooth river stingray is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Leave the water and rinse the wound with clean water; do not remove embedded spine fragments on the spot. Immerse the affected part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45C) to ease pain. A sting to the torso, chest or abdomen is an emergency: call medical help immediately and check tetanus status.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Potamotrygon
More from the family Potamotrygonidae
Want the complete picture on the Bigtooth river stingray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bigtooth river stingray is one of 12,519 species in the app.