Fin's Fish Guide
The Thorny freshwater stingray (Fontitrygon ukpam) is a brackish-water fish of the family Dasyatidae that grows up to 120 cm.
Africa: Cameroon, Congo Dem Rp, Gabon, Gambia, Ivory coast, Nigeria and others
Description
The Thorny freshwater stingray is a freshwater stingray (Dasyatidae) from large rivers of large rivers of West and Central Africa. The species grows to about 100 cm wide and has a flattened, oval to diamond-shaped, brown-grey body with a long whip tail bearing one or more venomous spines. As a bottom-dweller it often lies half-buried on sand and mud bottoms and searches for molluscs, crustaceans and small fish. Through overfishing and habitat loss the species is threatened. The tail spine can give an extremely painful sting wound.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Thorny freshwater stingray?
The Thorny freshwater stingray has an irregular in shape body and is mainly brown. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Thorny freshwater stingray live?
The Thorny freshwater stingray lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Cameroon, Congo Dem Rp, Gabon, Gambia, Ivory coast, Nigeria and others
How big does the Thorny freshwater stingray get?
The Thorny freshwater stingray grows to a maximum of about 120 cm.
Is the Thorny freshwater stingray dangerous to humans?
The Thorny freshwater stingray is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. For a sting from the tail spine: rinse the wound with clean water, apply pressure to limit bleeding and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C). The wound is often deep and may contain spine fragments; seek medical care, have the wound cleaned and check tetanus status.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Fontitrygon
More from the family Dasyatidae
Want the complete picture on the Thorny freshwater stingray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Thorny freshwater stingray is one of 12,519 species in the app.