Xingu River ray facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Xingu River ray |
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Potamotrygon
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leopoldi
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The Xingu River ray, also called the white-blotched river stingray or polka-dot stingray (Potamotrygon leopoldi), is a unique type of freshwater fish. It is a kind of stingray that lives only in the Xingu River basin in Brazil. This ray loves clear water with rocky bottoms. Sometimes, people keep these beautiful rays in aquariums, much like their cousin, the Motoro ray.
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Where Does Its Name Come From?
This special fish was named to honor King Leopold III (1901–1983) of Belgium. King Leopold helped fund many scientific studies. These studies were carried out at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences.
About the Xingu River Ray
The Xingu River ray can grow quite large. Its body, called a disc, can be up to 40 cm (16 in) wide. From its head to the tip of its tail, it can reach 75 cm (30 in) in total length. These rays can also weigh up to 20 kg (44 lb). Female rays usually grow bigger than males.
Appearance and Relatives
The Xingu River ray is very closely related to two other similar stingrays. One is the P. henlei, found in the Tocantins River basin. The other is P. albimaculata, which lives in the Tapajós River basin.
Compared to P. henlei, the Xingu River ray is a deeper black color on top. Its underside is mostly a brownish-dark color. The P. henlei has a large white center on its underside. When compared to P. albimaculata, the Xingu River ray has fewer but larger yellowish-white spots on its back.
Venom and Defense
The Xingu River ray is a venomous stingray. It has venom located in a special spine on its tail. The type of venom in the ray does not change as it gets older. However, the venom becomes less strong as the ray matures.
As rays get older, their jaw shape, stiffness, and hardness become stronger. This allows older rays to eat hard-shelled creatures like crabs. These changes in the ray's body as it grows help it with different tasks. For example, they help with feeding and protecting itself from predators at different stages of its life.
The Xingu River Ray as a Pet
The Xingu River ray is a very popular fish among people who enjoy keeping large or "monster" fish. It is often called the Black diamond stingray or BD by hobbyists. Many of these rays are now bred in captivity. This means they are raised in large indoor breeding places.
There are many different types of Xingu River rays in the aquarium hobby. Some popular types include P12, Eclipse, and Thousand Island. These rays can be quite expensive, especially the pure breeds. They need a lot of special care to stay healthy in an aquarium.
Xingu River rays can live with other large fish. Some good tank mates include Clown knife fish, Spotted gar, Arowana, and Pacu. With good care, these rays can live for 9 to 13 years.
See also
In Spanish: Raya de puntas blancas para niños
