''Potamotrygon limai'' is a type of tropical freshwater stingray found exclusively in the state of

Rondônia Rondônia () is one of the 26 states of Brazil, located in the northern subdivision of the country (central-western part). It is bordered by Acre (state), Acre in the west, Amazonas, Brazil, Amazonas in the north, Mato Grosso in the east, and Bo ...

, Brazil. This species is prone to local deforestation activities instead of fishing.

Description

This species can be distinguished from its congeners through several characteristics, such as darker brownish dorsal disc covered with beige to whitish, small spots arranged into concentric patterns, possibility of whitish spots forming vermicular patterns, simpler rostral dermal denticles, and absence of any form of discrete dorsal ocelli. The largest male specimen ever caught is around 65 cm disc width.

Habitat & distribution

This tropical ray has been recorded only from

Jamari River The Jamari River is a river of Rondônia state in western Brazil. Part of the river's watershed is covered by the Jacundá National Forest, a sustainable use conservation unit. The Jamari river is dammed by the Samuel Hydroelectric Dam near Po ...

, a part of

Madeira River The Madeira River ( ) is a major waterway in South America. It is estimated to be in length, while the Madeira-Mamoré is estimated near or in length depending on the measuring party and their methods. The Madeira is the biggest tributary of ...

system in northern area of Rondônia. It is a river fully dammed by Samuel Hydroelectric Dam, which causes a direct threat to this species aside of deforestation around its distribution range.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q16621188 Endemic fauna of Brazil Freshwater stingrays of Brazil limai