Family Torpedinidae

by. Nolvyhindarto,S.Si_Encartablog_Animals

Electric Rays

Selected Characters: Oval shape; smooth surface; large caudal fin.

Electric rays are found in temperate and tropical seas worldwide. They have a well-developed, kidney-shaped electric organ on each side of the head at the base of the pectoral fin. These organs are capable of producing a powerful electric current which can be used stun prey or deter predators. Like sharks but unlike skates, electric rays swim by moving the tail, not by undulating the pectoral fins. There are 14 species of electric rays; the Pacific Electric Ray is the only species found in Puget Sound. The largest members of this species, which are females, can be about 140 cm long. These rays feed on fishes, especially herrings and flatfishes. Like all electric rays, this species is ovoviviparous. Pacific Electric Rays may become aggressive if they are disturbed, but they are not known to be dangerous. These rays are not very common in Puget Sound.

Species

Torpedo californica Pacific Electric Ray

Retrieved from:” http://www.washington.edu/burkemuseum/collections/ichthyology”