Ocellate river stingray

The ocellate river stingray is a large freshwater stingray (family Potamotrygonidae) native to the Amazon, Paraná, and other South American river basins. Its flat, disc-shaped body is brown with numerous striking orange-yellow spots ringed in black, resembling ocelli, and it carries a venomous barb on the tail for defense. It is generally peaceful toward fish too large to eat but is a predator of smaller tankmates, and its venomous spine demands respect during maintenance. It is best kept singly or in compatible groups by experienced keepers. It requires a very large tank or pond with a soft sand bottom to protect its delicate underside, pristine water, and strong filtration. A carnivore, it feeds on worms, shrimp, fish, and other meaty foods. Its size, waste output, and venom make it strictly an advanced-level animal.