Fin's Fish Guide
Black river stingray
The Black river stingray (Potamotrygon motoro) is a freshwater fish of the family Potamotrygonidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Northern and central South America; sandy and muddy bottoms of rivers and lakes.
Description
The ocellate river stingray is a freshwater stingray (Potamotrygonidae) from northern and central South America. The species has a flattened, disc-shaped body with a grey-brown upper side studded with conspicuous, yellow-ringed eyespots. It lives on sand and mud bottoms of rivers, lakes and lagoons, where it often buries itself. It feeds on crustaceans, molluscs, worms and small fishes. The tail bears a serrated, venomous spine that can give a deep, very painful and notorious stab wound; take care where you step in shallow water.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black river stingray?
The Black river stingray has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Yellow-rimmed eyespots on a disc-shaped body; venomous tail spine with a notorious sting.
Where does the Black river stingray live?
The Black river stingray lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Northern and central South America; sandy and muddy bottoms of rivers and lakes.
How big does the Black river stingray get?
The Black river stingray grows to a maximum of about 50 cm.
Is the Black river stingray dangerous to humans?
The Black river stingray can cause injury; handle it with care. The tail bears a serrated, venomous spine that can cause a deep, extremely painful stab wound; freshwater stingray stings are notorious. Immerse the wound in water as hot as can be tolerated and seek medical help; do not remove a deeply embedded spine yourself.
Is the Black river stingray edible?
The Black river stingray is rarely eaten.
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 Black river stingray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black river stingray is one of 12,519 species in the app.