Aiereba Stingray

Paratrygon aiereba is the sole species of its genus and stands out among Amazonian elasmobranchs by virtue of its near-perfectly circular disc and disproportionately short, blunt tail carrying a reduced venomous spine. Widely distributed across Amazonian lowland rivers, it can reach disc widths approaching 80cm and is one of the largest freshwater rays. In the aquarium it requires a tank of extraordinary dimensions — essentially public-aquarium scale for a full-grown adult. Its dietary and water quality needs mirror those of Potamotrygon: warm, soft, acidic, pristine water and a diet of meaty invertebrates. Despite its size, it is considered less aggressive than some potamotrygonids. Import of wild specimens is rare and individuals are expensive; captive-bred animals are virtually the only route for hobbyists.