#electric ray

[herpsandbirds]

Finless Sleeper Ray (Temera hardwickii), family Narkidae, order Torpediniformes, off of Tioman Island, Malaysia

A species of electric ray.

photograph by Andy Murch

[feelingautistic]

The smallest species of ray in the world is the finless sleeper ray, a species of electric ray. The smallest individual recorded was just 8.2cm (3.2in) long and weighed just 13g (0.46oz), potentially making it the smallest cartilagenous fish.

The finless sleeper ray gets its name from the fact, unlike other electric rays, it has no dorsal fin (the top fin).

[pleistocene-pride]

Torpedo torpedo, better known as the common torpedo, common torpedo ray, ocellate torpedo, or eyed electric ray, is a species of electric ray in the family Torpedinidae which is endemic to the eastern Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. These rays typically dwell in coastal and nearshore waters but can occasionally be at depths up to 1,300ft (400m), however they tend to prefer warm sandy flats and sea grass beds. Torpedo rays are generally solitary and nocturnal ambush predators which feed on a variety of fish, crustaceans, and worms. They are themselves preyed upon by seals, sharks, and large boney fish. As with other members of its family, the common torpedo can subdue both prey and predator with strong electric shocks of up to 200 volts which are generated from a pair of large kidney-shaped electric organs which are visible beneath the skin on either side of the head. The electrogenic properties of this species led it to be used in medicine for the treatment of pain and diseases such as gout by various cultures in antiquity such as the Greeks, Egyptians, and Carthaginians. The Romans in particular used the common torpedo to treat headaches. Reaching around 12 to 24 inches (30 to 61cms) in length and 7 to 16inches (18 to 41cms) in width, with females being slightly larger than males, the common torpedo has a nearly circular pectoral fin disc and a short, thick tail with two dorsal fins of nearly equal size and a large caudal fin. The eyes are small and followed by spiracles of comparable size. The dorsal coloration of the common torpedo is rusty orange to reddish brown which is adorned with prominent blue spots on its back, which usually number five but may vary from zero to nine. The underside is cream-colored, with dark disc margins. Breeding typically occurs from December to February. Common torpedos are aplacental viviparous, with the developing embryos nourished by yolk and histotroph ("uterine milk") produced by the mother. Females produce litters of up to 28 after a gestation period of 4–8 months depending on the geographical region. Common torpedo reach sexual maturity at around 10in ( 25cms) in length and may live upwards of 10 years.

[danskjavlarna]

Source details and larger version.

My collection of vintage fish imagery is swimming along.

[respect-the-locals]

Daily Ray Fact:

The Coffin Ray (aka the Australian numbfish), is a species of electric ray endemic to Australia, where it is common in inshore waters shallower than 260 ft. It is the sole member of its genus Hypnos. The genus name is derived from the ancient Greek word 'húpnos' which means 'sleep'. As for its common names, it is named for the ray's ability to induce numbness, and "coffin ray" comes from the coffin-like shape of beached specimens, which become bloated after death.

[chezalazhart]

I just adore rays! I ever have dreams about them lol

[fishyfishyfishtimes]

Daily fish fact #658

Common torpedo!

This ambush predator can produce up to 200 volts of electricity, which it uses to stun unsuspecting prey! It is distinct from other electric rays thanks to its large spots, ocellae, which it tends to have five of in a symmetrical pattern. There are also cases of common torpedos having less than five or even no ocellae, and rarest of all there are rays with more than five!

[animaloftheweek]

Animal of the Week: Spottail Sleeper Ray

Image Credit: sucker69420

Meet the animal Monday! This week we have a creature called the Spottail Sleeper Ray(Narke dipterygia), also known as the Numbray! This is a species of electric ray that lives around shores near the Indian Ocean.