Atlantic torpedo ray
The Atlantic torpedo ray, also known as Torpedo nobiliana, is a notable species of electric ray characterized by its flat body and the ability to generate electric charges of up to 220 volts. This electric discharge serves both for stunning prey, such as flounders and eels, and for self-defense. Reaching lengths of nearly six feet and weighing up to 200 pounds, it is considered the largest among its family of electric rays. These fish inhabit a range of depths, from shallow coastal waters to depths of over 2,600 feet, often burying themselves in sand and mud on the ocean floor.
Visually, the Atlantic torpedo ray has a broad, circular head and a thick tail, with skin that can range in color from brown to black on top, contrasting with its white underside. As a species that reproduces through ovoviviparity, females give birth to up to sixty live pups after a gestation period of about twelve months. Despite its impressive size and electric capabilities, the Atlantic torpedo ray is currently classified as of least concern regarding conservation status, indicating stable population levels. This unique marine creature exemplifies the diverse adaptations found in the ocean's ecosystem.
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Atlantic torpedo ray
The Atlantic torpedo ray is a flat-bodied fish capable of producing electric charges around 220 volts to stun its prey and to defend itself. Greeks and Romans used charges to treat illnesses and headaches. This is believed to be the largest electric ray at nearly six feet (two meters) long.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Order: Torpediniformes
Family: Torpedinidae
Genus: Torpedo
Species: Nobiliana
This species of electric ray is one of three species in the ocean waters around North America. It lives in waters anywhere between seven and 2,625 feet (two and 800 meters) deep, and often buries itself in the sand and mud on the bottom of the ocean floor.
Growing up to six feet (nearly two meters) long, this ray is thought to be the largest of the twenty-two species in this family. The broad, flattened, circular head of the ray is slightly wider than the body is long and is thick and fleshy. Brown, purple, slate-gray, or black bare skin covers the upper surface of the ray, while its underside is white. The tail is thick and has two dorsal, or back, fins and a flat caudal tail fin. Like other rays and skates, this ray is a cartilaginous fish. This means that it has cartilage in its skeleton rather than bones. The cartilage is a firm but very flexible tissue. People have cartilage in their ears and noses. The ray may grow to weigh 200 pounds (ninety kilograms), although most weigh less than 100 pounds (forty-five kilograms), and the average is closer to thirty pounds (thirteen kilograms).
The large kidney-shaped organs on either side of the head produce the electrical charges with which the ray defends itself. These charges also enable the ray to catch its food. Fish, such as flounders, eels, and small sharks, as well as crustaceans receive a charge after the ray pounces upon them and wraps them in its large pectoral fins on either side of its head. These charges may reach 170 to 220 volts. This is enough to stun a human being.
Female rays give birth to pups after they have already hatched from eggs while still inside their mothers. This is called ovoviviparous reproduction. Gestation is twelve months long and a female Atlantic torpedo can give birth to up to sixty pups.
The average lifespan of Atlantic torpedo rays is between sixteen and twenty-four years. Their conservation status is of least concern.
Bibliography
Bester, Cathleen. “Torpedo Nobiliana.” Florida Museum, 1 Jan. 2024, www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/discover-fish/species-profiles/torpedo-nobiliana/. Accessed 30 Mar. 2024
Picton, B.E., and C.C. Morrow. “Torpedo Nobiliana (Bonaparte, 1835).” Encyclopedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland, 2016, www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=ZF1230. Accessed 30 Mar. 2024.