Fontitrygon garouaensis ( Niger stingray or smooth freshwater stingray )

(Source: Fishbase, 2020)

Scientific Name: Fontitrygon garouaensis

Common Name:  Niger stingray or smooth freshwater stingray

Genus: Fontitrygon

Species: garouaensis

Ijaw Name: Sika

Family: Dasyatidae

Habitat: Rivers

Gear Type: Fishing Nets

Season of Occurrence: Dry season

Description: Fontitrygon garouaensis, commonly known as the Niger freshwater stingray or Garoua stingray, is a freshwater stingray species endemic to West and Central Africa, specifically found in the Niger and Benue River basins. It has a flattened, disc-shaped body with a broad, circular outline, reaching up to 60 cm in diameter. Its upper surface is typically brown or grayish with a pattern of lighter spots, while the underside is pale. This stingray is adapted to life in freshwater, preferring sandy or muddy river bottoms where it can easily camouflage itself while searching for food. It primarily feeds on benthic invertebrates, small fish, and crustaceans, using its disc-shaped body to sift through the substrate. Fontitrygon garouaensis is ovoviviparous, with females giving birth to live young, a trait that is relatively rare among freshwater stingrays. Due to habitat loss, pollution, and fishing pressure, Fontitrygon garouaensis faces threats to its survival, leading to concerns about its conservation status. Its role in maintaining the balance of benthic ecosystems highlights its ecological importance, as it helps control populations of smaller organisms in the river habitat. Efforts to protect its riverine environment are critical for the species' sustainability.