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Potamotrygon

Genus of cartilaginous fishes From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Potamotrygon
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Potamotrygon is a genus of freshwater stingrays in the family Potamotrygonidae native to the rivers of South America,[1] and sometimes seen in the aquarium trade.[2] It inhabits rivers of tropical and subtropical climates, especially those of the Amazon basin and is virtually present in all South American countries, except for Chile.

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Like other stingrays, the fishes of this genus have venomous barbs at the base of their tails, and their stings are dangerous to humans.[2] It is said that the natives of South America fear the stingray more than they do fear the piranha.[3]

Potamotrygon vary considerably in color, pattern and size, with the maximum disc width ranging from 31 cm (1 ft) in P. wallacei to 1.5 m (5 ft) in P. brachyura.[4][5]

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In the aquarium

Though freshwater stingray of other genera do appear in the trade, most are from Potamotrygon. They are best kept with a deep, sandy substrate, in which they bury themselves, often with only the eyes visible. They are not territorial with other animals and can be kept in groups, provided a large enough aquarium is provided. They are carnivorous bottom feeders and require strong filtration as they are rather sensitive to water conditions.[2] Many species of stingray have been bred in captivity and males can be determined by the presence of claspers as in other Chondrichthyans.

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Species

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There are currently more than 30 recognized extant (living) species in this genus:[1]

Extinct (fossil) species

Three species are extinct and only known from Tertiary fossil remains:[14]

  • †Potamotrygon canaanorum
  • †Potamotrygon contamanensis
  • †Potamotrygon rajachloeae
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References

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