Potamotrygon schroederi

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Potamotrygon schroederi, also called Flower Stingray, is a freshwater stingray highly sought after for its rosette pattern, which resembles a flower. Native to the upper Orinoco basin, it inhabits quiet areas with soft bottoms, where it buries itself to rest and hunt. This species has a venomous caudal spine and requires a very large aquarium, warm water, and powerful biological filtration. Its availability remains very rare in the aquarium trade. The specimens offered by Ton.Fish are wild-collected and are available exclusively from Ton.Fish in Canada.

General species description

Potamotrygon schroederi is a benthic freshwater stingray belonging to the family Potamotrygonidae. Its rounded, flattened pectoral disc allows it to move across the bottom by undulating its fins, while its spiracles bring water in when the animal is buried. The species is valued for its distinctive pattern, made up of rosettes and contrasting ocelli over a golden-brown background. It is mainly active at dusk and during the night, spending much of the day resting on the substrate. Like other freshwater stingrays, it carries a venomous caudal spine that requires careful handling. It should be kept only by experienced aquarists with a large aquarium free of sharp decorations.

Geographic origin and biotope

Potamotrygon schroederi comes from the upper Orinoco basin, particularly Venezuela and nearby areas of Colombia. The Atabapo River is associated with its native range and is an important geographic reference for this species. It inhabits margins, backwaters, and channels with shallow water and generally slow to moderate flow. The bottom consists of fine sand, mud, and organic debris, with open areas where the ray can bury itself. Riparian vegetation provides shade and contributes organic matter to the water. In an aquarium, this means providing a large floor area, warm water, good oxygenation, and a soft substrate without sharp gravel.

Precise location and local name

The geographic reference most often associated with Potamotrygon schroederi is the Atabapo River, in the upper Orinoco region. Its range includes tropical river environments in Venezuela and neighboring areas of northwestern Amazonia. In Spanish-speaking countries, freshwater stingrays are generally called raya de río, or simply raya; the descriptive name raya flor may also be used for individuals with flower-like markings. In English, Flower Stingray is the most common trade name in the specialized aquarium trade. The exact location of a wild specimen may vary between collection sites, so its origin should be retained with the traceability information supplied by the seller.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The disc of Potamotrygon schroederi is almost circular, with a short snout and eyes positioned on the upper surface of the head. The back has a beige, brown, or golden-brown background covered with flower-like rosettes, winding lines, and darker spots. The underside is generally pale. The tail is long and flattened at its base, with one or more spines that are periodically replaced. Females usually become larger and heavier than males; males are primarily identified by their claspers, reproductive organs located at the base of the pelvic fins. Adult size depends on growth conditions, but a disc width of approximately 50 to 60 cm is a substantial size to plan for in captivity.

General diet

Potamotrygon schroederi is primarily carnivorous and searches for food directly on the bottom. In the wild, its diet includes aquatic invertebrates, larvae, crustaceans, and small fish available in the substrate. In an aquarium, suitable foods may include clean earthworms, mussels, shrimp, pieces of marine or freshwater fish, and quality sinking carnivorous foods. Prey should be free of contaminants and offered in reasonable portions to prevent obesity and water pollution. Young specimens often eat small amounts several times a day, while adults can be fed less frequently. A varied diet and close observation of appetite are essential, especially after acclimating a wild specimen.

Essential data

• River of origin: Atabapo River
• Local name used: Raya flor; raya de río
• Origin of the scientific name: Potamotrygon refers to a river stingray; schroederi is a name dedicated to a person named Schroeder.
• Complete name etymology: Potamo- comes from the Greek potamos, river; trygon refers to a stingray; schroederi honors Schroeder.
• Common/vernacular names: Flower Stingray; raya flor; flower ray
• Family: Potamotrygonidae
• Subfamily: Potamotrygoninae
• Name pronunciation: po ta mo TRY gon - shroh DER eye
• Discovery: Agustín Fernández-Yépez, 1958
• Maximum adult size: Approximately 50 to 60 cm disc width
• Water temperature and pH: 26 to 30 °C; approximately pH 5.5 to 7.0
• Appearance of the waterway and surrounding vegetation: Tropical river, quiet margins, shade from riparian forest, and sparse emergent or submerged vegetation
• Typical tankmates: Geophagus altifrons, Astronotus ocellatus, Cichla orinocensis, Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
• Temperament and behavior: Generally peaceful and benthic, with greater activity at dusk and at night; predatory toward small animals it can capture
• Water depth: Margins and shallow to moderately deep areas
• Sexual dimorphism: Visible claspers in males; females are usually larger and heavier
• Bottom structure and flow: Fine sand or mud, organic debris, and slow to moderate current

For greater success: keeping Potamotrygon schroederi requires a very large aquarium, generous floor space, soft sand, and warm, clean, well-oxygenated water. Avoid handling, sharp decorations, and aggressive tankmates or fish small enough to be swallowed. Because the offered specimens are wild-collected and the species is very rare, gradual acclimation, a varied diet, and responsible traceability are especially important.