Flower Stingray (Potamotrygon schroederi)

An extremely variable species even compared to other river stingrays. Some specimens exhibit clusters of spots that form flowerlike patterns on a plain or subtly mottled background. Flower patterns become smaller and more uniformly circular toward the edge of the disc. Other specimens display a dark reticulated pattern enclosing irregularly shaped light spots. There are endless intermediate color morphs. The tail is always patterned with distinct and regularly spaced dark bars. This is an important factor in positive identification.