Common torpedo (Torpedo torpedo)

Scientific name: Torpedo torpedo Linnaeus, 1758

Common torpedo (Torpedo torpedo)

The Common torpedo (Torpedo torpedo) is a marine fish of the family Torpedinidae. Native range: Eastern Atlantic, southern Bay of Biscay and throughout the Mediterranean to Angola. Most common in tropical waters.

Biology

Found on soft bottoms, usually inshore but occasionally deeper. Feeds on small fishes and also benthic invertebrates. Ovoviviparous, with 3-21 in a litter. Size at birth 9 cm. Capable of inflicting a severe shock of up to 200 volts.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Torpedo torpedo
Family
Torpedinidae (Electric rays)
Order
Torpediniformes (Electric rays)
Class
Elasmobranchii (Sharks and Rays)
Maximum length
60.0
Common length
39
Depth range
2–400 m (7–1312 ft)
Environment
Marine; demersal; depth range 2 - 400 m, usually ? - 70 m
Climate
Deep-water
Distribution
Eastern Atlantic: southern Bay of Biscay and throughout the Mediterranean to Angola. Most common in tropical waters.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Data deficient (DD)
Threat to humans
Other
Uses
Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: public aquariums
Resilience
Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (K=0.11)

More other marine fish

See all other marine fish

Sources

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

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