Australian numbfish (Hypnos monopterygius)

Scientific name: Hypnos monopterygius Shaw, 1795

Australian numbfish (Hypnos monopterygius)

The Australian numbfish (Hypnos monopterygius) is a marine fish of the family Hypnidae. Native range: Indo-West Pacific, endemic to Australia.

Biology

Occurs inshore and offshore, ranging from the intertidal to 240 m depth. Found buried on sand and mud bottoms; sometimes found stranded out of water by the tide but is capable of surviving for hours. Feeds on crabs, worms, and fishes. Ovoviviparous. A slow-moving species which uses its electric organs to stun prey. Also stuns people when accidentally stepped upon or handled. Maximum length probably to 92 cm TL.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Hypnos monopterygius
Family
Hypnidae (Coffin rays)
Order
Torpediniformes (Electric rays)
Class
Elasmobranchii (Sharks and Rays)
Maximum length
70.0
Common length
40.0
Depth range
240 m (787 ft)
Environment
Marine; reef-associated; depth range ? - 240 m
Climate
Temperate
Distribution
Indo-West Pacific: endemic to Australia.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans
Other
Uses
Fisheries: of no interest
Resilience
Very Low, minimum population doubling time more than 14 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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