Xingu River Ray

Potamotrygon leopoldi 

Habitat & Distribution :  Xingu river basin, Brazil 

Diet : Crustaceans, molluscs, fish 

Size: 30-40 cm 

Lifespan : 10-15 years

Description

These rays have an even black body with white spots that help them camouflage with the riverbed.The underside of their belly is generally light brown. 

Behavior

This species prefers to stay in the sand during the day and only hunts prey at night. As they mature the strength of its jaws increases so that it can eat hard-shelled prey. 

Reproduction

This species reproduces via aplacental viviparity, with females giving birth to 1–6 fully developed pups after a 5–6 month gestation. 

Communication & Perception

communicates primarily through non-verbal cues, including electric signals, body language, and touch. 

Predator(s)

Birds, caimans, larger predatory fish