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Electric ray

Narcinidae
Torpedinidae

If you came here looking for information about a fictional energy weapon, see raygun.

Electric rays (order Torpediniformes) are fish that have a rounded body and a pair of organs capable of producing an electric discharge, which is used to stun or kill prey. There are 69 species in two families.

Perhaps the most known members are those of the genus Torpedo , also called crampfish and numbfish , after which the device called a torpedo is named. The name comes from the Latin "torpere", to be stiffened or paralyzed, referring to the effect on a man who handles or steps on a living electric ray.


Types of torpedo ray

  • The Atlantic Torpedo Ray (Torpedo nobiliana)
  • Lesser Electric Ray (Narcine brasiliensis)


External links

electric ray -- Britannica Concise Encyclopedia Online Article
List of Species called "electric ray"



07-14-2008 23:18:10
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