North American freshwater stingray (SciiFii)

The North American freshwater stingray (Urogymnus floridanus) is a species of stingray in the family Dasyatidae, most closely related to the much-larger giant freshwater stringray (Urogymnus polylepis) of Asia, that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the wetlands, lakes, and rivers across North America to help boost biodiversity. Female North American freshwater stingrays can grow to a disc width of 150 centimeters, contrary to the smaller male North American freshwater stingrays that reach maximum size at 67 centimeters. The North American freshwater stingray has a relatively thin, oval pectoral fin disc that is widest anteriorly, and a sharply pointed snout with a protruding tip. Its tail is thin and whip-like, and lacks fin folds. This species is uniformly grayish brown above and white below; the underside of the pectoral and pelvic fins bear distinctive wide, dark bands on their posterior margins. Bottom-dwelling in nature, the North American freshwater stingray inhabits sandy or muddy areas and preys on small fishes, crustaceans, mollusks, and worms. The North American freshwater stingray is viviparous, with the developing embryos nourished initially by yolk and later by histotroph ("uterine milk") provided by the mother. Females usually give live birth to litters of two to seven pups, which are sustained to term by maternally produced histotroph. This species does not appear to be diadromous (migrating between fresh and salt water to complete its life cycle) and stays in freshwater throughout its life. The conservation status of the North American freshwater stingray is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts and the North American freshwater stingray's wide range.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii