Common names
Niger stingray, Ray, Smooth freshwater stingray

Short Description
A moderately large and thin-bodied freshwater dasyatid; disc oval, flatter than in any other West African dasyatid, its depth only 8.7-11.0% of disc width; denticles on dorsal surface of disc highly variable, sometimes absent, always restricted to central portion; pearl spine absent or represented by 2-3 low denticles [546]. Tip of snout projecting as a small triangular process [20219]. 16-18 teeth in upper jaw, 14-28 teeth in lower jaw [20219]. Disc and pelvic fins medium gray or gray-brown above, without spots or prominent markings, white below and without dark margins; tail darker or blackish, lighter below [546].

Distribution
Africa: Benue River in Cameroon and Nigeria, and from the Niger River downstream from its confluence with the Benue. Specimens of this species have been identified from Lagos Lagoon and from the Cross River near Mamfé [20239]. Source: www.gbif.org

Biology
Exhibit ovoviparity (aplacental viviparity), with embryos feeding initially on yolk, then receiving additional nourishment from the mother by indirect absorption of uterine fluid enriched with mucus, fat or protein through specialised structures [733]. Distinct pairing with embrace [17086].

Size / Weight / Age
40.0 cm WD (male/unsexed; [20239])

Habitat
demersal; freshwater

Remarks
shark-references Species-ID=14644;