Table of Contents
Overview
Brief Summary
Biology
The ocellate river stingray is often found lying still, buried in the sandy sediment at the bottom of a stream, particularly during the warmest part of the day (2) (5). Like all stingrays, the females of this species produce eggs, but these develop inside the female. The young hatch inside the female and are then 'born' live after a gestation period of no more than three months (5) (6). The litter size of the ocellate river stingray varies massively, from 3 to 21 young (2). Sexual maturity is reached at around three years of age, when the stingray measures between 30 and 35 centimetres across (2). Initially after birth, the ocellate river stingray feeds on plankton, but as it grows, the diet expands to also include small molluscs, crustaceans and the larvae of aquatic insects, while larger adults also eat certain catfish (those belonging to the family Loricaridae) (2). The ocellate has relatively few predators, except for some larger fish and caiman (3).
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Comprehensive Description
Description
Remarkable for its habitat, the ocellate river stingray is one of a small group of rays that evolved in freshwater from a marine ancestor (3). The first part of the scientific name reflects this lifestyle, potamos means 'river' in Greek, while the second part, trygon, means 'three angles' (4), and may refer to its body shape. The body of the ocellate river stingray is an oval disc, with a greyish-brown upper surface patterned with distinct yellow-orange spots, and a white underside (2). While the ocellate river stingray is a beautiful species, it is much feared for the single spine borne at the tip of the robust tail, which is capable of delivering a painful sting (2) (5).
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Biology
Found in freshwater rivers. It is an extremely dangerous species. Maximum length reported in Axelrod et al., 1991 (Ref. 6398) is 100 cm TL.
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Ortega, H. and R.P. Vari 1986 Annotated checklist of the freshwater fishes of Peru. Smithson. Contrib. Zool. (437):1-25. (Ref. 6329)
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=6329&speccode=51076
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Distribution
Range Description
Rio Paraná, middle and lower reaches; Río Uruguay middle, Río de la Plata, Río Pilcomayo and Río Bermejo. Río Guapore, Río Negro, Río Branco, Río de Janeiro and Río Paraguay.
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Range
The ocellate river stingray has a widespread distribution, extending across Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela, where is occurs in the Paraná-Paraguay, Orinoco, and Amazon River basins (1).
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South America: Uruguay, Paraná-Paraguay, Orinoco, and Amazon River basins.
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de Carvalho, M.R., N. Lovejoy and R.S. Rosa 2003 Potamotrygonidae (River stingrays). p. 22-28. In R.E. Reis, S.O. Kullander and C.J. Ferraris, Jr. (eds.) Checklist of the Freshwater Fishes of South and Central America. Porto Alegre: EDIPUCRS, Brasil. (Ref. 36687)
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=36687&speccode=50646
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Physical Description
Size
Max. size
50.0 cm WD (male/unsexed; (Ref. 36687)); max. published weight: 15.0 kg (Ref. 27548)
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de Carvalho, M.R., N. Lovejoy and R.S. Rosa 2003 Potamotrygonidae (River stingrays). p. 22-28. In R.E. Reis, S.O. Kullander and C.J. Ferraris, Jr. (eds.) Checklist of the Freshwater Fishes of South and Central America. Porto Alegre: EDIPUCRS, Brasil. (Ref. 36687)
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=36687&speccode=50646
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Ferreira, E.J.G., J.A.S. Zuanon and G.M. dos Santos 1998 Peixes comerciais do médio Amazonas. Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis. 211p. (Ref. 27548)
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=27548&speccode=6382
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Type Information
Paratype for Potamotrygon motoro
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Fishes
Preparation: Radiograph
Locality: Brazil: Obidos, Para, Brazil, South America
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Fishes
Preparation: Radiograph
Locality: Brazil: Obidos, Para, Brazil, South America
- Paratype:
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Ecology
Habitat
Habitat and Ecology
Habitat and Ecology
Systems
Like all river rays, the ocellate river ray is found in calm waters, especially on the sandy margins of lagoons, brooks and streams. They are most commonly caught when water levels are low (August? September and March?April in Río Paraná, Santa Fe region (Castex and Maciel 1965b)), and observed still and partly buried during the warmest period of the day (09.00?20.00). Fishermen also harpoon these rays during floods when they are found resting over vegetation in shallow water. Potamotrygon motoro catches coincide with a rise in water temperature (Castex and Maciel 1965a), with abundance increasing in the Paraná Medio from September to mid January, stabilising in early March, declining in April then disappearing (Martinez Achenbach and Martinez Achenbach 1976). It is possible that they remain permanently in the area, but are concealed on the bottom at other times. Martinez Achenbach and Martinez Achenbach (1976) consider that Potamotrygon species are ovoviviparous. Potamotrygon motoro reaches sexual maturity during its third year, at a disk width of 30?35cm. A specimen with a disk of 30 cm expelled nine foetuses immediately after being captured. Another, with a disk of 45 cm, gave birth to a litter of 15 young, eight females and seven males. The largest foetus was 13.5 cm in diameter and the smallest 9.5 cm. The diameter of the females was between 11? 13.5 cm, whereas the diameter of the males ranged between 9.5?12cm. Female P. motoro were in an advanced stage of pregnancy in January (Castex 1963). Smaller females give birth to fewer young. The litter size is always odd, varying from 3?21 (Martinez Achenbach and Martinez Achenbach 1976).
According to Martinez Achenbach and Martinez Achenbach, plankton is the first food taken after birth. Juveniles complement their diet with small molluscs (Lamellibranchs and Gastropods), crustaceans and the larvae of aquatic insects. Fish of the family Loricaridae, Astyanax sp. and Pimelodella gracilis were found in the stomach contents of adults.
According to Martinez Achenbach and Martinez Achenbach, plankton is the first food taken after birth. Juveniles complement their diet with small molluscs (Lamellibranchs and Gastropods), crustaceans and the larvae of aquatic insects. Fish of the family Loricaridae, Astyanax sp. and Pimelodella gracilis were found in the stomach contents of adults.
Systems
- Freshwater
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Habitat
While most rays are marine, the ocellate river stingray is one of the few species that is restricted entirely to freshwater (1) (5). Like the other river rays, this species favours calm waters, especially the sandy edges of lagoons, brooks and streams (2).
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Environment
benthopelagic; potamodromous (Ref. 51243); freshwater; pH range: 5.0 - 6.0; dH range: 10
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Riede, K. 2004 Global register of migratory species - from global to regional scales. Final Report of the R&D-Projekt 808 05 081. Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, Bonn, Germany. 329 p. (Ref. 51243)
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=51243&speccode=4683
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Migration
Potamodromous. Migrating within streams, migratory in rivers, e.g. Saliminus, Moxostoma, Labeo. Migrations should be cyclical and predictable and cover more than 100 km.
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Riede, K. 2004 Global register of migratory species - from global to regional scales. Final Report of the R&D-Projekt 808 05 081. Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, Bonn, Germany. 329 p. (Ref. 51243)
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=51243&speccode=4683
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Diseases and Parasites
Procamallanus Infection 17. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)
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Moravec, F. 1998 Nematodes of freshwater fishes of the neotropical region. Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic , Praha. (Ref. 51153)
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=51153&speccode=3
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Procamallanus Infection 10. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)
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Moravec, F. 1998 Nematodes of freshwater fishes of the neotropical region. Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic , Praha. (Ref. 51153)
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=51153&speccode=3
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Brevimulticaecum Infestation. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)
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Moravec, F. 1998 Nematodes of freshwater fishes of the neotropical region. Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic , Praha. (Ref. 51153)
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=51153&speccode=3
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Life History and Behavior
Life Cycle
16 pups were born by one female in captivity (Ref. 57489).
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Baensch, H.A. and R. Riehl 1997 Aquarien Atlas, Band 5. Mergus Verlag, Melle, Germany. 1148 p. (Ref. 13614)
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=13614&speccode=11122
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Molecular Biology and Genetics
Molecular Biology
Statistics of barcoding coverage: Potamotrygon motoro
Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLDS) Stats
Public Records: 0
Species: 21
Species With Barcodes: 1
Public Records: 0
Species: 21
Species With Barcodes: 1
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Conservation
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List Assessment
Red List Category
DD
Data Deficient
Red List Criteria
Version
3.1
Year Assessed
2005
Assessor/s
Drioli, M. & Chiaramonte, G.
Reviewer/s
Musick, J.A. & Fowler, S.L. (Shark Red List Authority)
Contributor/s
Justification
This assessment is based on the information published in the 2005 shark status survey (Fowler et al. 2005).
The Ocellate River Stingray (Potamotrygon motoro) is a freshwater ray and one of the seven nominal species of this genus inhabiting southern South America. Although this is the most abundant and widespread endemic ray species of the Parano-plata Basin, it is poorly known and its status is uncertain due to the sparse life history and population data available for this species. Further study and a new assessment in the near future is highly recommended, due to this species? limited geographic range and the major impacts to its freshwater habitat.
The Ocellate River Stingray (Potamotrygon motoro) is a freshwater ray and one of the seven nominal species of this genus inhabiting southern South America. Although this is the most abundant and widespread endemic ray species of the Parano-plata Basin, it is poorly known and its status is uncertain due to the sparse life history and population data available for this species. Further study and a new assessment in the near future is highly recommended, due to this species? limited geographic range and the major impacts to its freshwater habitat.
History
- 2000Data Deficient
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Status
Classified as Data Deficient (DD) on the IUCN Red List (1).
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Trends
Population
Population
Population Trend
This is the most abundant and widespread endemic ray species of the Parano-plata.
Population Trend
Unknown
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Threats
Threats
Major Threats
All species of river stingray in the Parano-plata Basin have delicious meat and are harpooned by fishermen when seen in shallow water. Artisanal and commercial fishermen also catch some specimens on lines. The attractively patterned juveniles of this species are collected for the ornamental fish trade. The major threats to the species possibly derive from habitat degradation caused by the damming of the Río Paraná system for navigation and hydroelectric plants and the construction of many ports along the river.
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Threats
Despite being the most abundant and widespread species of Potamotrygon endemic to South America, a lack of information on its life history and the status of populations means that it is not possible to determine the extent to which the ocellate river stingray may be threatened with extinction (1). However, what is known is that a number of factors may be having a detrimental affect on this species. The ocellate river stingray is commonly hunted, with juveniles being taken for the ornamental fish trade and adults being captured for food (1) (2). When water levels in the streams and lagoons is low, or when the rivers flood and the rays can be found resting over vegetation in shallow water, the ocellate river stingray becomes an easy target for fishermen with harpoons. Some artisanal and commercial fishermen also catch this species on lines (2). Furthermore, habitat degradation in some parts of its range may threaten this species, such as the construction of hydroelectric plants and ports along the Río Paraná system (2).
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Data deficient (DD)
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IUCN 2006 2006 IUCN red list of threatened species. www.iucnredlist.org. Downloaded July 2006.
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=57073
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Management
Conservation Actions
Conservation Actions
None.
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Conservation
A legal quota exists for the number of ocellate river stingrays that may be captured and exported, currently standing at 5,000 individuals per year, and it is said that its capture and exportation is monitored (7), although clearly, this does not in any way mitigate the threat of illegal hunting or trade. Further research on this species has been highly recommended, to enable its conservation status to be determined. Given the negative impacts of hunting and habitat degradation that the ocellate river stingray is subject to, it its possible that this freshwater stingray may be threatened (1).
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Relevance to Humans and Ecosystems
Benefits
Importance
fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: public aquariums
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Ferreira, E.J.G., J. Zuanon and G.M. dos Santos 1996 A list of commercial fish species from Santarém, State of Pará, Brazil. Naga ICLARM Q. 19(3):41-44. (Ref. 12202)
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=12202&speccode=23498
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Tello, S. and H. Sánchez 1995 To be filled. Unpublished. (Ref. 9235)
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=9235&speccode=12336
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Wikipedia
Ocellate river stingray
The ocellate river stingray (Potamotrygon motoro), also known as the peacock-eye stingray, is a potamodromous freshwater ray native to the basins of the Uruguay, Paraná, Orinoco, and Amazon Rivers.
It is known to grow up to 1 m (3 ft.) TL and 15 kg (33 lb.).[2] Its disk is roughly circular in shape, and its eyes are raised from the dorsal surface. The dorsal coloration is beige or brown, with numerous light orange spots with dark rings. The arrangements of these spots can vary from fish to fish.
Ocellate river stingrays are sometimes kept in captivity, with requirements similar to other members of Potamotrygon.[3] It is one of the most common species of Potamotrygon in the aquarium.
Notes
- ^ Drioli, M. & Chiaramonte, G. (1994). Potamotrygon motoro. 2006. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. www.iucnredlist.org. Retrieved on 16 October 2006.
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2007). "Potamotrygon motoro" in FishBase. Mar 2007 version.
- ^ Dawes, John (2001). Complete Encyclopedia of the Freshwater Aquarium. New York: Firefly Books Ltd. ISBN 1-55297-544-4.
References
- "Potamotrygon motoro". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. http://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=564439. Retrieved 16 October 2006.
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