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Atlantic electric ray (Tetronarce nobiliana) — Torpedinidae

Atlantic electric ray

Tetronarce nobiliana
Family: Torpedinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Atlantic electric ray (Tetronarce nobiliana) is a saltwater fish of the family Torpedinidae that grows up to 180 cm.

Length
180 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
2.0–800.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Irregular
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Can cause injury
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The Atlantic torpedo is a large electric ray of the family Torpedinidae reaching about 180 cm. The body is uniformly dark chocolate to purplish-brown above and white below, with a notably large, paddle-shaped tail. The species has the most powerful electric organs of any torpedo ray and can deliver a shock of up to about 220 volts, enough to knock a person down. It occurs circumglobally in subtropical seas, including the Mediterranean; juveniles live near the bottom while adults are semi-pelagic and travel long distances. Its food consists of bony fishes and small sharks. This ray should never be touched.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Atlantic electric ray?

The Atlantic electric ray has an irregular in shape body, is mainly black and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Atlantic electric ray live?

The Atlantic electric ray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Atlantic electric ray get?

The Atlantic electric ray grows to a maximum of about 180 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.

Is the Atlantic electric ray dangerous to humans?

The Atlantic electric ray can cause injury; handle it with care.

Is the Atlantic electric ray edible?

The Atlantic electric ray is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Atlantische sidderrog verified
English name
Atlantic electric ray verified
Scientific name
Tetronarce nobiliana
Family
Torpedinidae
Other names
Atlantic electric ray; Atlantic New British torpedo; Atlantic torpedo verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
180.0 verified
Average length (cm)
40.0 verified
Body shape
Irregular sourced
Dominant colour
Black sourced
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Rounded sourced
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No verified
Dorsal fins
Two separate sourced
Dorsal spines
No verified

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
2.0 verified
Max depth (m)
800.0 verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore verified
Social behaviour
Solitary verified
Territorial
No verified
Reproduction
Separate sexes verified
Sexual dimorphism
No verified

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten verified
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. 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 Tetronarce

More from the family Torpedinidae

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