Paratrygon [Paratrygon]

Description

Paratrygon is a genus of freshwater stingrays within the family Potamotrygonidae, less diverse than its relative Potamotrygon but equally significant in terms of its ecological niche. Native to the river systems of South America, these rays are distinguished by their relatively smooth, rounded bodies and the absence of dermal denticles on the dorsal surface, giving them a softer texture compared to other river stingrays. They are adapted to life on the riverbed, with a diet consisting mainly of invertebrates and small fish, which they locate using electroreception. Paratrygon species are known for their venomous tail spines, used for defense against predators. Their reproductive strategy is ovoviviparous, with females giving birth to live young that have developed inside eggs within the mother's body.

Species

Taxonomy