description Hystrix river stingray Overview
The hystrix river stingray is the freshwater stingray Potamotrygon hystrix, a member of the family Potamotrygonidae. It occurs in South American river systems and has a flattened disc, a long tail, and defensive serrations or spines associated with the tail and body surface. Like other river stingrays, it is a fish adapted to freshwater rather than marine water, and it is of interest to zoologists studying South American freshwater fauna.
help Hystrix river stingray FAQ
What is the accepted scientific name for the hystrix river stingray?
The catalog name Potamotrygon hystrix is widely encountered, but FishBase lists Potamotrygon histrix as the accepted name for the porcupine river stingray and treats P. hystrix as a synonym. This is a genuine taxonomy issue, so both spellings may appear in aquarium and scientific references. [FishBase taxonomy](https://fishbase.org/summary/FamilySummary.php?ID=21)
Where does the hystrix river stingray live?
The porcupine river stingray is a freshwater species from the Paraná and Paraguay River basin in South America. FishBase lists it as a benthopelagic freshwater ray associated with subtropical conditions. [FishBase species profile](https://www.fishbase.se/Fieldguide/FieldGuideSummary.php?c_code=858&genusname=Potamotrygon&speciesname=histrix)
How large can a porcupine river stingray become?
FishBase gives a maximum disc width of about 40 centimeters for Potamotrygon histrix. That measurement refers to the width of the flattened disc, not the full length of the ray including its tail. [FishBase species profile](https://www.fishbase.se/Fieldguide/FieldGuideSummary.php?c_code=858&genusname=Potamotrygon&speciesname=histrix)
Are hystrix river stingrays dangerous to handle?
Like other Potamotrygonidae, the ray has a replaceable barbed spine on its tail that can inflict a very painful wound. FishBase notes that the spine is replaced several times a year, so aquarium keepers should never handle the animal casually. [FishBase species profile](https://www.fishbase.se/Fieldguide/FieldGuideSummary.php?c_code=858&genusname=Potamotrygon&speciesname=histrix)
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