Among the freshwater stingrays of South America, there are still some species that remain difficult to identify. It is not possible to determine whether these are species not yet known to science or morphs of species already scientifically documented. One of these unidentified species, known in the hobby since the 1990s, is Potamotrygon sp. “Mantilla” from Brazil, which was also sold under the name “Marble Ray” in the past, when freshwater stingrays from Brazil were still permitted for export. The fish were exported via Recife, meaning they originated from the northeast of the country (state of Pernambuco). Among the scientifically accepted species, it most closely resembles the more southerly occurring P. histrix (not to be confused with P. wallacei from the Rio Negro, formerly designated “P. hystrix”; see https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/01-rays/potamotrygon-wallacei-2/). Potamotrygon sp. “Mantilla” has also been assigned several P numbers (a system analogous to L and C numbers) (P19-21 and P23-24), with P21 being the most commonly used.
Freshwater stingrays from Brazil are subject to international trade restrictions (CITES). As a result, they have not been imported for several years. Instead, the (admittedly very small) market for freshwater stingrays is supplied by captive-bred specimens. These animals are bred in larger numbers in Southeast Asia, while breeders in Europe have taken on the more special species. Among the latter is Potamotrygon sp. “Mantilla,” of which we currently have several specimens available. What makes this very special is that we have received not only wild-colored specimens but also albinos. In the wild, such conspicuous animals—as albinos inevitably are—have virtually no chance of survival, but in the aquarium, of course, they do.
The care and breeding of freshwater stingrays of all species is a specialized field within the aquarium hobby that we will not cover in detail here. Anyone interested in this must consult the specialized literature.
For our customers: Potamotrygon sp. “Mantilla” has codes 282512 (10–12 cm diameter), 282513 (12–15 cm diameter), 282522 (albino, 10–12 cm diameter), and 282523 (albino, 12–15 cm diameter) on our stock list. Please note that we supply exclusively to wholesalers.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
