Fin's Fish Guide
The Shorttail river stingray (Potamotrygon brachyura) is a freshwater fish of the family Potamotrygonidae that grows up to 95 cm.
Description
The Shorttail river stingray is a freshwater stingray (Potamotrygonidae) from fresh water of the Parana and Uruguay basins in South America. The species grows to about 95 cm across and has a round, flattened disc, which blends well with the bottom with a marbled pattern, 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 Shorttail river stingray?
The Shorttail river stingray has an irregular in shape body and is mainly brown. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Shorttail river stingray live?
The Shorttail river stingray lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay
How big does the Shorttail river stingray get?
The Shorttail river stingray grows to a maximum of about 95 cm.
Is the Shorttail river stingray dangerous to humans?
The Shorttail 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.
Is the Shorttail river stingray edible?
The Shorttail 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 Shorttail river stingray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Shorttail river stingray is one of 12,519 species in the app.