Elasmobranchii (sharks and rays) >
Torpediniformes (Electric rays) >
Torpedinidae (Electric rays)
Etymology: Torpedo: Latin, torpere = be sluggish (Ref. 45335).
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; demersal; depth range 1 - 350 m (Ref. 58488). Tropical; 30°N - 11°N, 34°E - 85°E (Ref. 114953)
Western Indian Ocean: Persian Gulf (Ref. 68964) and Red Sea. Reports from other parts of the western Indian Ocean (Bay of Bengal) probably refer to a different species.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ? range ? - ? cm
Max length : 100.0 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 30573)
Short description
Identification keys | Morphology | Morphometrics
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Anal spines: 0; Vertebrae: 98 - 102. Disc-width shorter than its length, width and length about 1,60 to 1,80 times in total length; dorsal fins more or less rounded, its base 1,25 times in its length (Ref. 39215).
Found on coral reefs; as well as mud or sandy bottoms, from shallow water to a depth of 100 m (Ref. 30573, Ref. 114953). Mainly feeds on invertebrates and small reef fishes (Ref. 114953). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 50449). Males reaches maturity at 28 cm TL (Ref. 114953).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Exhibit ovoviparity (aplacental viviparity), with embryos feeding initially on yolk, then receiving additional nourishment from the mother by indirect absorption of uterine fluid enriched with mucus, fat or protein through specialised structures (Ref. 50449).
Michael, S.W., 1993. Reef sharks and rays of the world. A guide to their identification, behavior, and ecology. Sea Challengers, Monterey, California. 107 p. (Ref. 12951)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2024-1)
Human uses
Fisheries: bycatch
Tools
Special reports
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Internet sources
Estimates based on models
Preferred temperature (Ref.
123201): 18.5 - 26.3, mean 23.4 °C (based on 224 cells).
Phylogenetic diversity index (Ref.
82804): PD
50 = 0.5005 [Uniqueness, from 0.5 = low to 2.0 = high].
Bayesian length-weight: a=0.01479 (0.00665 - 0.03288), b=2.96 (2.77 - 3.15), in cm total length, based on LWR estimates for this (Sub)family-body shape (Ref.
93245).
Trophic level (Ref.
69278): 4.6 ±0.8 se; based on size and trophs of closest relatives
Resilience (Ref.
120179): Very Low, minimum population doubling time more than 14 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.).
Fishing Vulnerability (Ref.
59153): High vulnerability (60 of 100).
