Ocellate River Ray

Potamotrygon motoro 

Habitat & Distribution :  River basins of South America 

Diet : Crustaceans, molluscs, fish 

Size : Up to 50 cm 

Lifespan : 10-20 years

Description

Its body is brown or grayish brown with yellow-orange spots surrounded by dark rings. 

Behavior

Its eyes are located on the upper side of its body, providing nearly 360-degree vision. Like other rays, it relies on electric field sensing to determine direction and detect the presence of predators or other rays. 

Reproduction

This species reproduces via aplacental viviparity, with females giving birth to 1–8 fully developed pups after a 3-4 month gestation. 

Communication & Perception

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

Predator(s)

Birds, caimans, larger predatory fish