Ocellate River Stingray
VU

Ocellate River Stingray

Potamotrygon motoro

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocellate_river_stingray

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Ocellate River Stingray faces mounting pressure from overfishing for the ornamental aquarium trade, where its distinctive spotted pattern makes it highly sought after. Dam construction across South American river systems fragments populations and alters water flow patterns essential for breeding. Water pollution from mining, agriculture, and urban development degrades the sandy and muddy substrates where these rays feed and shelter.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Ocellate River Stingray inhabits freshwater river systems throughout the Amazon and Orinoco basins, preferring sandy and muddy bottoms in slow-moving waters. It occupies both main river channels and tributary systems, often found in areas with moderate current and depths ranging from shallow waters to several meters deep.

FRESHWATER· majorMARINE· majorFRESHWATER· major

Threatened in Argentina

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
Adonis BlueVU

Adonis Blue

Lysandra bellargus

Unknown
CR

Phlebopus bruchii

Declining
CR

Trichomycterus ramosus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Ocellate River Stingray classified as Vulnerable?
Ocellate River Stingray is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Ocellate River Stingray faces mounting pressure from overfishing for the ornamental aquarium trade, where its distinctive spotted pattern makes it highly sought after. Dam construction across South American river systems fragments populations and alters water flow patterns essential for breeding. Water pollution from mining, agriculture, and urban development degrades the sandy and muddy substrates where these rays feed and shelter.
Where does Ocellate River Stingray live?
Ocellate River Stingray occurs in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and French Guiana (plus 7 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Ocellate River Stingray?
The main threats to Ocellate River Stingray are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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