Potamotrygonidae

Potamotrygonidae is a family of cartilaginous fishes comprising the freshwater stingrays native to South America. Its members are adapted to life in rivers and other inland waters.

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Stingray: A ray with a flattened body and one or more venomous spines on its tail. Potamotrygonids are freshwater members of the broader stingray group.
Benthic locomotion: Movement along or close to the bottom of an aquatic habitat. Their flattened bodies and fin movements suit travel over riverbeds.
Aquarium fish: Fish kept in aquariums for display, study, or breeding. Some species are kept in specialist aquariums, where their needs require careful management.
Freshwater habitat: An inland aquatic environment with low concentrations of dissolved salts. The family's survival depends on river and other freshwater habitats.
Chondrichthyes: The class of jawed vertebrates with skeletons made primarily of cartilage, including sharks, rays, and chimaeras. This is the cartilaginous-fish class to which the family belongs.
Electroreception: The detection of electrical fields through specialized sensory systems. It underlies the rays' ability to find prey concealed in sediment.
Ornamental fish trade: The commercial capture, breeding, and sale of fish for decorative aquarium use. Wild collection and international sales affect several freshwater stingray populations.
Habitat fragmentation: The division of continuous habitat into smaller, isolated areas. Dams and other barriers can separate river populations and restrict movement.
Spiracle: A respiratory opening behind the eye that draws water toward a fish's gills. Spiracles let bottom-dwelling rays breathe while their mouths rest against the substrate.
Ray fin locomotion: Swimming powered by waves of motion traveling along the enlarged pectoral fins. Potamotrygonids propel themselves with broad pectoral fins rather than a fishlike tail.