Porcupine river stingray (Potamotrygon hystrix)

Scientific name: Potamotrygon hystrix M?ller & Henle, 1841

The Porcupine river stingray (Potamotrygon hystrix) is a freshwater fish of the family Potamotrygonidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 24–26°C (75–79°F). Native range: South America, Paran?-Paraguay River basin.

Porcupine river stingray care at a glance

Temperature: 24–26°C (75–79°F)

Biology

Occurs in marshy zones where it is frequently found partially hidden in the sandy bottom. This behavior, associated with its perfect immobility and its capacity to undergo homochromy, makes it practically undetectable to the eye. Like all species of this family, P. hystrix has a tail which is equipped with one or more spines which fall spontaneously and are replaced 2 or 3 times a year. At a length of 4 to 6 cm, the spine is a barbed, flattened skeletal formation inserted dorsally in the middle portion of the tail. Its structure is similar to that of a tooth and appears as an ivory cone covered with enamel. The spine is coated with an extremely toxic mucus produced by the cells of the skin and inflicts very painful wounds.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Potamotrygon hystrix
Family: Potamotrygonidae (River stingrays)
Order: Rajiformes (Skates and Rays)
Class: Elasmobranchii (Sharks and Rays)
Maximum length: 40.0
Environment: Freshwater;; dH range: 10 - ? benthopelagic; potamodromous
Climate: Subtropical
Distribution: South America: Paran?-Paraguay River basin.
Conservation status (IUCN): Data deficient (DD)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: public aquariums
Resilience: Very Low, minimum population doubling time more than 14 years (Assuming Fec