Closely related to the saltwater stingray, freshwater stingrays are cartilaginous fish classified into two different families based on their geographic locations. Also called river stingrays, the Potamotrygonidae rays are found in the rivers of tropical and subtropical South America, being mostly concentrated within the Amazon Basin. These beautiful rays are generally small compared to their saltwater cousins, growing up to 46 cm (18 inches) wide with long tails, are very rounded, and have colorful spots of different sizes against a dark background of black, brown, or gray, depending on the species.

There are a few species of whiptail stingrays in the family Dasyatidae that are freshwater rays as well, found in Africa, Asia, and Australia. These rays have very long tails, hence their name, and are less rounded, having more of a diamond shape. The most impressive of these rays is the giant freshwater stingray found in Southeast Asia and Borneo. It is believed to possibly be the largest freshwater fish in the world, growing more than 6 feet across. Want to go diving with the amazing freshwater stingray? Explore the map below for dive site around the world where they can be seen.