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Japanese sleeper ray (Narke japonica) — Narkidae

Japanese sleeper ray

Narke japonica
Family: Narkidae

The Japanese sleeper ray (Narke japonica) is a saltwater fish of the family Narkidae that grows up to 40 cm.

Length
40 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
100.0–? m
Body shape
Irregular
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Can cause injury
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Japanese sleeper ray is an electric ray (Narkidae) from coastal waters of the northwest Pacific, off East Asia. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a round, flattened body disc with a short tail. In its pectoral fins it carries powerful electric organs with which it stuns prey and defends itself. As a bottom-dweller it lies half-buried on sand and mud bottoms and snaps at small invertebrates. Do not touch; the shock is powerful.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Japanese sleeper ray?

The Japanese sleeper ray has an irregular in shape body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Japanese sleeper ray live?

The Japanese sleeper ray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Japanese sleeper ray get?

The Japanese sleeper ray grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.

Is the Japanese sleeper ray dangerous to humans?

The Japanese sleeper ray can cause injury; handle it with care.

Is the Japanese sleeper ray edible?

Yes, the Japanese sleeper ray is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Japanse sidderrog sourced
English name
Japanese sleeper ray sourced
Scientific name
Narke japonica
Family
Narkidae
Other names
Electric ray; Japanese electric ray; Japanese sleeper ray; Japanese spotted torpedo verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
40.0 verified
Body shape
Irregular sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
100.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
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 Narke

More from the family Narkidae

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