Welcome the New Ocellate River Rays!
Big news from Discovery World’s Reiman Aquarium, we’ve welcomed three incredible Ocellate River Rays to our Amazon Exhibit! These freshwater stingrays traveled to us from the Belle Isle Aquarium in Detroit, Michigan – the oldest public aquarium in the U.S.
Unlike the saltwater stingrays you might recognize, Ocellate River Rays (or Potamotrygon motoro) are completely freshwater species found in South America’s Amazon Basin. They have beautiful, spotted patterns and are known for their intelligence, curiosity, and unique way of moving across the riverbed like living hovercrafts!
Meet the New Rays!
- Banana (Split) – The baby of the bunch! Banana was born on December 29, 2022, at the Belle Isle Aquarium. He’s the smallest of the trio at just 8 inches wide and has a unique split in his front fin/lip area. This gave him the playful name, Banana Split! Despite his size, he’s full of personality and always on the move.
- Blue (Moon) – At 14 inches wide, Blue is the middle-sized ray. He has been at Belle Isle since 2014, though his exact age is unknown. His name comes from his smooth, dark markings, which give him a moonlit appearance as he glides through the water.
- Moose (Tracks) – Our biggest new arrival! Moose measures 18 inches across and, like Blue, has been at Belle Isle since 2014. He’s a confident and graceful swimmer, making him a standout in the Amazon Exhibit.
Why Freshwater Stingrays Are So Unique
Unlike ocean-dwelling stingrays, Ocellate River Rays live in freshwater rivers and floodplains. Their flattened bodies help them camouflage against the sandy river bottom, and they use electroreceptors to detect prey hidden beneath the substrate. These rays are also incredibly smart. Some aquariums have even trained them to respond to cues for feeding time!
Our three new rays are settling into their new home, where they’ll be part of an exciting opportunity for guests to observe and learn about these fascinating creatures up close. We carefully monitor their diet, behavior, and interactions as they adjust to their new environment.
See Them in Action!
Next time you visit Discovery World, stop by the Amazon Exhibit to see Banana, Blue, and Moose for yourself! Watch as they glide effortlessly through the water, using their wing-like fins to propel themselves forward. Our aquarium team is always happy to answer questions and share more about these incredible freshwater stingrays.
