White-Blotched River Stingray

The white-blotched river stingray (Potamotrygon leopoldi) is a bottom-dwelling, freshwater stingray, which  inhabits the Xingu River basin, which is comprised of the Xingu and Fresco rivers.

Size: About 2 feet long

Color: The body of this stingray is black to very dark brown and speckled with white spots. The underbelly is light gray. 

Continent: South America

Range: Brazil; the white-blotched river stingray inhabits the Xingu River basin, which is comprised of the Xingu and Fresco rivers, which are tributaries of the Amazon.

Habitat: This stingray lives in freshwater rivers. It resides on the bottom of the river; though it will surface in search for food.

Food: The white-blotched river stingray is carnivorous and will eat crustaceans.

Conservation: This animal is threatened by habitat loss.

Fun Facts: This stringray have a venomous caudal sting and though is usually harmless to humans, is one of the most feared freshwater fish.