Black-tailed antenna ray facts for kids

The black-tailed antenna ray (Plesiotrygon nana) is a type of stingray that lives in freshwater. It belongs to the family called Potamotrygonidae, which includes many freshwater stingrays.

This ray is found in the western part of the Amazon basin. This huge river system covers parts of northeastern Peru, western Brazil, southeastern Colombia, and possibly eastern Ecuador. You can find it in big rivers like the Amazon and Putumayo River. It also lives in smaller rivers such as the Itaya and Pachitea Rivers.

About This Ray

The black-tailed antenna ray is known for its very long tail. Its tail is usually at least three times longer than its body, which is called the "disc width." This is similar to another ray in the same group, the long-tailed river stingray (P. iwamae).

When this ray was first discovered, the scientists thought it might be the smallest stingray in its family. This is because its scientific name, "nana", means "small." It was even called the "dwarf antenna ray" sometimes. The first adult male ray studied had a disc width of about 24.7 centimeters (about 9.7 inches). The disc width is the measurement across the ray's flat, round body.

However, later discoveries showed that these rays can grow much larger. A female ray at the Shedd Aquarium grew to 38 centimeters (about 15 inches) wide. Other rays found in the wild have been as wide as 52 centimeters (about 20.5 inches) and weighed up to 12.4 kilograms (about 27 pounds).

Keeping Them as Pets

Sometimes, black-tailed antenna rays are kept in aquariums. They have even been bred in captivity. However, these rays are quite sensitive. Their long tails can get damaged easily, so they need special care.

See also

In Spanish: Plesiotrygon nana para niños