Marbled electric ray (Torpedo marmorata)

Scientific name: Torpedo marmorata Risso, 1810

The Marbled electric ray (Torpedo marmorata) is a brackish-water fish of the family Torpedinidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 20°C (68°F). Native range: Eastern Atlantic, northern UK (less common in southern North Sea and Kattegat) to Cape of Good Hope, South Africa. Also in the Mediterranean Sea.

Marbled electric ray care at a glance

Temperature: 20°C (68°F)

Biology

Occurs in seagrass areas, rocky reefs, and adjacent soft bottoms. Avoids temperatures above 20?C. Nocturnal, usually burying itself during the day with only the eyes and spiracle jutting out. Feeds on small benthic fishes Trachurus, Mugil, Mullus, Dicentrarchus, Spondyliosoma, Boops, Labrus, Dascyllus, Pomacentrus) and crustaceans. Females outlive males; viviparous, neonates measuring 10-14 cm at birth. 5-32 in a litter. Electrocytes start developing when the embryo weighs about 1 g; electric organs functional before birth and newborns can use their electric organ discharge (EOD) in capturing prey. Can produce electric discharges of up to 200 volts; EOD frequency up to 600 Hz. Jumps on fast-moving prey, paralyzing it with its EOD. May attain 100 cm in length (Ref.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Torpedo marmorata
Family: Torpedinidae (Electric rays)
Order: Torpediniformes (Electric rays)
Class: Elasmobranchii (Sharks and Rays)
Maximum length: 100.0
Depth range: 2–370 m (7–1214 ft)
Environment: Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 370 m
Climate: Subtropical
Distribution: Eastern Atlantic: northern UK (less common in southern North Sea and Kattegat) to Cape of Good Hope, South Africa. Also in the Mediterranean Sea.
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 (Fec=5-32)