Paratrygon


Paratrygon is a monotypic genus of the cartilaginous fish in the family of Potamotrygonidae. The sole currently recognized species is Paratrygon aiereba, the discus ray, manzana ray or ceja ray, from the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South American. Genetic and morphometric evidence suggests that P. aiereba as presently defined is a species complex.

Appearance

This freshwater ray has small eyes and a disc shaped roughly like a lily pad. It is brownish above with a dark vermiculated or reticulated pattern. It reaches up to in disc width and in weight, making it one of the largest species in the family. There are unconfirmed claims of much larger individuals, but these are considered highly questionable. Most individuals do not surpass a disc width of. Males reach maturity at a disc width of about and females at about.

Behavior

It mainly feeds on fish, but also take invertebrates such as insects and crustaceans, and it is a top predator in its habitat. Adults are found in relatively deep waters in main river channels, but move to shallower waters to feed at night. After a nine-month gestation, the female give birth to an average of two young with a disc width of about. Juveniles are found in relatively shallow waters at sandy beaches and in creeks.