Fin's Fish Guide
The Smooth back river stingray (Potamotrygon orbignyi) is a freshwater fish of the family Potamotrygonidae that grows up to 35 cm.
Description
The smooth back river stingray is a freshwater stingray from the Amazon and Orinoco basins and the river systems of the Guianas in South America. The species has an almost round, flat disc up to about 35 cm wide. As a bottom-dweller it often lies half-buried on soft bottoms of swamps and floodplain lakes and feeds on insects, benthic crustaceans and small fish. It is ovoviviparous. On the tail it carries a venomous spine; when stepped on it can inflict a very painful, slow-healing wound. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Smooth back river stingray?
The Smooth back river stingray has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Almost round, flat disc; venomous tail spine; live-bearing
Where does the Smooth back river stingray live?
The Smooth back river stingray lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Northern South America
How big does the Smooth back river stingray get?
The Smooth back river stingray grows to a maximum of about 35 cm.
Is the Smooth back river stingray dangerous to humans?
The Smooth back river stingray is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. After a sting from the tail spine, immerse the affected part in hot water (about 45 degrees) for 30-90 minutes to break down the venom; clean the wound thoroughly, check for retained spine fragments and seek prompt medical help, as stingray wounds readily become infected.
Is the Smooth back river stingray edible?
The Smooth back 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 Smooth back river stingray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smooth back river stingray is one of 12,519 species in the app.