Definite Guide for Potamotrigonidae by Heiko Bleher

[Heiko Bleher]

Hi Guys,

Long time no news from me, simply because I am so busy writting, travelling and lecturing around the globe, sorry.

But I wanted to let you all know, that in PFK (Practical Fishkeeping) in the upcoming August 2010 issue, which will be out on July 7th, 2010, is a very large article of mine about the family Potamotrygonidae with the latest discoveries, the correct taxonomy (unfortunately in most of the popular books very confusing) and lots of photos and of most species correctly identified.

For sure it is of interest for those loving these amazing fishes. I have incorporated part of my last 40plus years of research about the potamotrigonids throughout South America. And actually also about the rest of the freshwater stingrays, from the family Dasyatidae, which will come out in their September issue - all those I found in freshwaters in Africa, Asia and Australia.

I just wanted to let you know. And as it is impossible to bring to a forum the 40 years of work in a few sentences, I thought you all might want to know (or some of you).

Thanks and best regards

Heiko Bleher

[Lode]

Sounds interesting Heiko, hope you can post the article on the forum also. Would love to hear story's about your trips

[FABIEN]

GOOD NEWS!

It's has been a while than there was no article to read on freshwater stingrays! Wait for the link...

[hybrid]

I have read the first article in pfk and found that i did not agree with it. I think that Heiko does not know that much about rays but that is only my opinion. Good to see articals on rays though.

[DavidW]

[aquaman45]

[hybrid]

I think what you said is correct Richard. But having knowledge of the locality of rays and there natural enviroment and the captive care is very different. I think if Heiko did the artical about the aspect he knows best it would have been fantastic.

I may not know the exact place my male leo's grandparents come from, the colour of the water and what else lives there. But i do know how big he will get, what he eats and how to breed him. I dont want people to think im being harsh, i wouldnt tell people about rays in the wild because i dont know anything about it, but i felt the artical was a bit of a let down.

I realy looked forward to this artical in pfk and just thought it could have been better. Also i think some of the pics in the artical were not identified correctly.

But one last thing im just an idiot with a big tank and some nice rays, so this is just my view, not being nasty or anythink. I am just passionate about rays and not to good at spelling, sorry for any mistakes. As i said before though, nice to see articals on rays.

[Ernesto]

Lets people do what they want and know how to do, and lets people make some mistakes.....why not???.

Even Mr. Bleher can make some mistakes.......and it really doesnt matter if he does not admit it. I think AND THIS IS MY OPINION that the real point on this kind of "events" is the fact that Mr. Bleher (either if you like him or not) delivered rays to hands and eyes that never dreamed that FW stingrays existed. He is a good researcher (again, MY opinion) and have done great things to aquarium world, nature and hobby.

I dont care if he went to prison, i dont care if he like to listen his voice and read his lines, i dont care if he is an "egoboy" or if he leave his wife somewhere in the world (i dont remember where i read it).....and i dont care all those things 'cause those things are not my bussiness!!....i only care about the good things i can learn from him and from everyone doing his kind of job.

I have not read the article, but i'm sure i can get some good info reading it, even if i know the captive keeping facts.

Best regards
Ernesto Roa.

[aquaman45]

Simon i totally agree,there are flaws in the identification of a few of the rays pictured in the article not to mention some of the regions being wrong on the black rays,this is however an editing fault,on page 25 it shows a picture of a Leopoldi with a small caption underneath,Rio Tapajos,further up the page we have a Henlei with the locality Rio Xingu....to my knowledge Henlei is found in the Tocantins and Leopoldi Xingu....not Heiko's mistake but rather the editing team,he needs to check his work before it goes to print.......he's the one carrying the can when these mistakes are made,i know iv'e been there!

There's a picture on page 24 bottom left of a guy holding what clearly is a Pot reticulata....incorrectly identified as Orbignyi.....right locality though..Colombia,both species are found there.
Take a look for youselves and make up your minds.

By the way Simon don't put youself down,you have successfully kept freshwater rays for many years and seen some of the best rays on offer, your opinion is as valid as the next man.

Ernesto your absolutely right about all that off topic stuff about Heiko....absolutely rediculous,there was practically nothing mentioned about the article...which is what the thread was supposed to be about.

[Ernesto]

Im sorry, i misplaced the post. I was reading a controversial post in MFK in another window and posted my comments here by mistake. I apologize for this.....but ridiculous?.

Best regards
Ernesto Roa.