Fin's Fish Guide
The Porcupine river stingray (Potamotrygon hystrix) is a freshwater fish of the family Potamotrygonidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Description
The porcupine river stingray (Potamotrygon hystrix) is a stingray of the family Potamotrygonidae from rivers of South America, including the Paraná-Paraguay basin. The species has a round, flattened, brownish pectoral disc with paler spots, providing camouflage on sand and mud bottoms, and a width of about 40 cm. On the tail it bears one or more venomous spines. It often lies half-buried in wait and feeds on bottom invertebrates, mollusks, crustaceans and small fishes. The species is ovoviviparous. Although not aggressive, stepping on a buried ray can cause a very painful, venomous sting.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Porcupine river stingray?
The Porcupine river stingray has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Camouflaged freshwater ray that buries itself; one or more venomous spines on the tail.
Where does the Porcupine river stingray live?
The Porcupine river stingray lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Rivers of the Paraná-Paraguay basin and the Amazon in South America.
How big does the Porcupine river stingray get?
The Porcupine river stingray grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.
Is the Porcupine river stingray dangerous to humans?
The Porcupine river stingray is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. A sting from the venomous tail spine is very painful and can cause a deep wound. Rinse the wound, remove any visible material and immerse the affected part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 °C); always seek medical help, especially for a wound to the trunk or chest.
Is the Porcupine river stingray edible?
The Porcupine river stingray is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Potamotrygon
More from the family Potamotrygonidae
Want the complete picture on the Porcupine river stingray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Porcupine river stingray is one of 12,519 species in the app.