Torpedinidae (torpedo rays)
Life
> Eukaryotes >
Opisthokonta
> Metazoa (animals) >
Bilateria >
Deuterostomia > Chordata >
Craniata > Vertebrata (vertebrates) > Gnathostomata (jawed
vertebrates) > Chondrichthyes > Elasmobranchii >
Batoidei > Rajiformes > Torpedinoidei
Small to large electric rays with a short,
blunt, truncated or undulated snout and a large, broadly arched
mouth. Over 17 species, 3 or more in our area.
Species in southern Africa
Torpedo
fuscomaculata (Blackspotted torpedo) A large electric ray with a small caudal fin,
small papillae around the spiracles, and a dull grey upper surface
with variable markings, often formed as dark lines or large spots;
two colour variants are illustrated. Underside white. |
 |
Torpedo cf. nobiliana (South coast torpedo) A large electric ray with a huge paddle-shaped
caudal fin, no papillae around the spiracle, and uniform shiny black
or dark grey upper surface. Underside white. |
 |
Torpedo sinuspersici (Marbled torpedo) A large electric ray with a small caudal fin,
papillae around the spiracle, and a distinctive bright colour
pattern of cream or golden circles and irregular marks on a dark red
or brown to blackish background. |
 |
Torpedo sp. nov.? (Mozambique offshore torpedo) |
|
Text by Leonard J.V. Compagno, David A. Ebert
and Malcolm J. Smale
|