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Raspy river stingray (Potamotrygon scobina) — Potamotrygonidae

Raspy river stingray

Potamotrygon scobina

The Raspy river stingray (Potamotrygon scobina) is a freshwater fish of the family Potamotrygonidae that grows up to 55 cm.

Length
54.7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The raspy river stingray is a freshwater stingray (Potamotrygonidae) from rivers and floodplains of the Amazon basin in South America. The species has a round, flat, spotted disc about 35 cm wide and a tail with rough denticles and a serrated venomous spine. Half-buried in sand it searches for worms, crustaceans and small fish. Anyone who accidentally steps on it risks a very painful, deep stab wound from the venomous spine.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Raspy river stingray?

The Raspy river stingray has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Raspy river stingray live?

The Raspy river stingray lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Raspy river stingray get?

The Raspy river stingray grows to a maximum of about 55 cm.

Is the Raspy river stingray dangerous to humans?

The Raspy river stingray is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed.

Is the Raspy river stingray edible?

Yes, the Raspy river stingray is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Raspstaart-zoetwaterpijlstaartrog sourced
English name
Raspy river stingray sourced
Scientific name
Potamotrygon scobina
Family
Potamotrygonidae

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
54.7 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Potamotrygon

More from the family Potamotrygonidae

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