Heteronarce garmani (Natal electric ray)

Regan, 1921

Life > Eukaryotes > Opisthokonta > Metazoa (animals) > Bilateria > Deuterostomia > Chordata > Craniata > Vertebrata (vertebrates)  > Gnathostomata (jawed vertebrates) > Chondrichthyes > Elasmobranchii > Batoidei > Rajiformes > Torpedinoidei > Narkidae

Heteronarce garmani (Natal electric ray) [Illustration by Ann Hecht ©]

Identification

A small plain brown electric ray with an elongated narrow disk, 2 dorsal fins, and a small narrow caudal fin. Underside white.

Size

To 25 cm TL, 13 cm DW.

Range

East coast, Algoa Bay to Natal. Endemic.

Habitat

Offshore on outer shelf and upper slope at 73 to 329 m.

Biology

Virtually unknown. Rare, more specimens wanted.

Human Impact

None, taken by trawlers.

Text by Leonard J.V. Compagno, David A. Ebert and Malcolm J. Smale