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Tasmanian numbfish (Narcine tasmaniensis) — Narcinidae

Tasmanian numbfish

Narcine tasmaniensis
Family: Narcinidae

The Tasmanian numbfish (Narcine tasmaniensis) is a fish of the family Narcinidae that grows up to 45 cm.

Length
45 cm
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Can cause injury

Description

The Tasmanian numbfish is an electric ray (Narcinidae) from coastal waters of southern Australia. The species grows to about 45 cm and has a flattened, oval, brownish body with a fairly stout tail bearing two dorsal fins. In its pectoral fins it carries large electric organs with which it stuns prey and defends itself. As a bottom-dweller it often lies half-buried on sand bottoms and searches for worms and small invertebrates. On contact it can deliver a powerful electric shock.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Tasmanian numbfish?

The Tasmanian numbfish is mainly brown.

Where does the Tasmanian numbfish live?

The Tasmanian numbfish is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Tasmanian numbfish get?

The Tasmanian numbfish grows to a maximum of about 45 cm.

Is the Tasmanian numbfish dangerous to humans?

The Tasmanian numbfish can cause injury; handle it with care.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Tasmaanse sidderrog sourced
English name
Tasmanian numbfish sourced
Scientific name
Narcine tasmaniensis
Family
Narcinidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
45 sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Dorsal fins
Two separate sourced

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Can cause injury verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Narcine

More from the family Narcinidae

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