Where are Xingu River Ray found in the wild?

In the heart of South America, the Xingu River Ray swims gracefully in the freshwater of the Xingu River and its tributaries. It thrives in sandy and rocky riverbeds, where it can blend in with the surroundings and enjoy a buffet of insects, small fish, and crustaceans!

"Polka-dot stingray New England Aquarium" by EgorovaSvetlana is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Xingu River Ray

Unveil the secrets of a graceful river pancake!

"Polka-dot stingray New England Aquarium" by EgorovaSvetlana is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Basics

Scientific Name

Potamotrygon leopoldi

Conservation Status

Endangered

Location

South America, specifically in the Xingu River

Average size

About 18 inches wide

diet

Insects, small fish, crustaceans

lifespan

Up to 20 years

Let’s Explore

Overview

The Xingu River Ray is a delightful fish that glides through the waters of South America. With a stunning average size of about 46 centimeters (18 inches) wide, this ray is like a magical underwater pancake!
Despite being a ray, the Xingu River Ray is actually a relative of sharks! It belongs to the class of Chondrichthyes, which means its skeleton is made of cartilage, just like our friendly neighborhood shark.
This ray is a real foodie! It enjoys a diet of insects, small fish, and crustaceans, making it a gourmet in its aquatic habitat. It hunts for these tasty treats by using its flat body to blend in with the riverbed and surprise its meals.
With a lifespan of up to 20 years, the Xingu River Ray can be a long-time resident of the rivers it calls home. That's plenty of time to make friends and become the coolest ray in the river!
If you ever visit the Xingu River, remember to look out for these amazing fish. They are a beautiful part of the rich biodiversity of South America's rivers!

Where can you find a Xingu River Ray in the wild?

What does a Xingu River Ray eat?

How big can a Xingu River Ray grow?

How long does a Xingu River Ray typically live?

What is the conservation status of the Xingu River Ray?

What are the main threats to the Xingu River Ray?

wowzerful facts

Xingu River Rays have a special trick – they can sting! They have a venomous spine on their tails that helps defend them from hungry predators.

This ray has a unique way of hunting. It uses its flat body to bury itself in the sand and wait for unsuspecting prey to swim by, like a sneaky underwater ninja!

Xingu River Rays communicate with each other using body language. They wiggle and flex their bodies to show how they feel to fellow rays, just like friends chatting with gestures!

These rays have a peculiar relationship with tiny creatures called parasites. Some of them actually rely on other fish, like catfish, to help clean off the extra hitchhikers, like a spa day for fish!

Xingu River Rays are masters of camouflage. Their spotted skin makes them look just like the sandy riverbed, helping them hide from both predators and unsuspecting lunch.

This ray has an impressive sense of smell. It can detect food from a distance, guiding it like a built-in GPS system for finding tasty treats!

Xingu River Rays prefer warm waters. They thrive in temperatures between 21 to 30 degrees Celsius (70 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit), making them true fans of tropical climates!

These fish have a very cool way of laying eggs. They give birth to live young, so baby rays start swimming immediately, ready to make a splash in the world!

A group of Xingu River Rays is called a 'fever,' just like a bunch of fish partying together in the river!

The Xingu River Ray is known for having striking patterns on its body. No two rays have the exact same design, making each ray as unique as a snowflake!