Potamotrygon motoro
Physical features: Broad flat circular ray and long tail. Barb grows from the top of the tail half way between the body and the end of the tail. Spotted pattern is unique to each individual and can be light on dark or dark on light. Raised mobile eyes protrude from the top of the body. Small openings called “spiracles” draw water down through the stingray’s body and across the gills. Mouth is located on the underside of the fish.
Habitat: Amazon River basin. Typically found in shallow sandy waters.
Diet: Fish, crustaceans, insects, clams
Fun facts: Stingray strings while extremely painful are typically not fatal. If you are in stingray habitat, simply shuffle your feet as you enter the water to alert them to your presence. If stung, put the body part that was injured in the hottest water you can stand. This will help with the pain but do be sure to see a doctor as soon as possible. Stingrays are one of the few fish that give birth to fully formed young. Most fish lay eggs outside of the body. Stingray “pups” are simply smaller versions of the adults.