Torpedo sinuspersici (Marbled torpedo)

Olfers, 1831

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

Torpedo sinuspersici (Marbled torpedo) [Illustration by Ann Hecht ©]

Identification

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.

Size

May reach 1.3 m TL and about 92 cm DW, but most less than 1 m TL.

Range

East coast, Natal to Mozambique; elsewhere in the western Indian Ocean.

Habitat

Inshore on sandy bottom and well offshore, from the surf zone to 200 m.

Biology

Common. Bears 9 to 22 young. Eats bony fish.

Human Impact

Caught by anglers and in trawls.

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