South American freshwater stingray (Potamotrygon motoro)

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

South American freshwater stingray (Potamotrygon motoro)

The South American freshwater stingray (Potamotrygon motoro) is a freshwater fish of the family Potamotrygonidae that grows to about 76 cm (30 in). It is peaceful, is best kept in a species tank and needs a tank of at least 455 L (120 US gal), water at 24–26°C (75–79°F) and a pH of 6.5–7.0. Native range: South America, Uruguay, Paran?-Paraguay, Orinoco, and Amazon River basins.

South American freshwater stingray care at a glance

Temperament
Peaceful
Community tank
Not suitable
Adult size
76 cm (30 in)
Minimum tank
455 L (120 US gal)
Temperature
24–26°C (75–79°F)
pH
6.5–7.0
Diet
Omnivore. Accepts frozen foods.

Biology

Found in freshwater rivers. It is an extremely dangerous species. Maximum length reported in Axelrod et al., 1991 is 100 cm TL.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Potamotrygon motoro
Family
Potamotrygonidae (River stingrays)
Order
Rajiformes (Skates and Rays)
Class
Elasmobranchii (Sharks and Rays)
Maximum length
50.0
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 5.0 - 6.0; dH range: 10 - ? benthopelagic; potamodromous
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
South America: Uruguay, Paran?-Paraguay, Orinoco, and Amazon River basins.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Data deficient (DD)
Threat to humans
Traumatogenic
Uses
Fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: public aquariums
Resilience
Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Fec=16)

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Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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