Medium-sized Amazonian fish

The Amazon Basin harbors most of the world's freshwater fish diversity.

Because it is a region characterized by an extensive network of rivers, lakes, streams, and flooded forest areas known as igapós, the Amazon hosts one of the greatest diversities of freshwater fish on the planet. In this dynamic and highly complex environment, new species are described frequently, making it difficult to determine precisely the total number of species present in the region. Among the medium-sized fish that inhabit these ecosystems, freshwater stingrays stand out, being especially adapted to the conditions of Amazonian rivers. These animals play an important role in maintaining ecological balance, occupying specific niches and reflecting the extraordinary biodiversity and unique evolutionary processes of the Amazon Basin.

Tank species

Porcupine river stingray

Potamotrygon hystrix

They live in South America, in the basins of the Paraná and Paraguay rivers, in marshy areas camouflaged on the sandy bottom. This species has one or more stingers in the tail, which are changed 2 or 3 times a year. This species produces a super toxic mucus that builds up in glands associated with the stinger that can cause painful wounds, headache, nausea and diarrhea in the prey. Toxicity varies by species.

South American freshwater ray

Potamotrygon motoro

Found in South America, in the basins of the Uruguay, Paraná, Paraguay, Orinoco and Amazon rivers. Like other species of rays and sharks, they have a cartilage skeleton. It has the spiracle, which is an opening behind the eye, specialized for breathing. It produces a super toxic mucus that builds up in glands associated with the stinger that can cause painful wounds, headache, nausea and diarrhea in the prey. Toxicity varies by species.