Electric ray
Encyclopedia : E : EL : ELE : Electric ray
- For information about the 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, varying from as little as 8 volts to up to 220 volts depending on the species, which is used to stun or kill prey. There are 69 species in four families. [link]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 someone who handles or steps on a living electric ray.
Some electric rays
- Atlantic torpedo ray, Torpedo nobiliana
- Pacific electric ray, Torpedo californica
- Lesser electric ray, Narcine brasiliensis
- Blind electric ray, Typhlonarke aysoni
External links
- [electric ray -- Britannica Concise Encyclopedia Online Article]
- [List of Species called "electric ray"]
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