The monotypic genus Elipesurus of neotropical freshwater stingrays, and its type species E. spinicauda, are known from a single specimen which lacked a developed tail and caudal sting. No type or similar specimens exist. The original description and illustration are inaccurate, without diagnostic measurements or characters, excepting those mentioned above. Therefore, a precise identification of E. spinicauda remains impòssible, and both names are considered doubtful. Since all other potamotrygonid stingrays have more or less developed tails and stings, the Elipesurus condition is regarded as a mutilation.