Torpedinidae

views updated

Torpedinidae (electric ray, numbfish; superorder Batoidimorpha, order Rajiformes) A family of marine rays that have a rounded outline, a stout trunk with a short tail fin, and a soft skin. The eyes are small or rudimentary. The spineless two dorsal fins are well developed. All members of the family possess a pair of powerful electric organs derived from the branchial musculature and capable of delivering very unpleasant electric shocks to anyone treading on them. Torpedo nobiliana (Atlantic torpedo), 1.8 m, is one of the larger species of electric rays. There are about 35 species, distributed world-wide in coastal regions.