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biodiversity explorer

the web of life in southern Africa

Torpedinidae (torpedo rays)

Life > Eukaryotes > Opisthokonta > Metazoa (animals) > Bilateria > Deuterostomia > Chordata > Craniata > Vertebrata (vertebrates)  > Gnathostomata (jawed vertebrates) > Chondrichthyes > Elasmobranchii > Batoidei > Rajiformes > Torpedinoidei

Small to large electric rays with a short, blunt, truncated or undulated snout and a large, broadly arched mouth. Over 17 species, 3 or more in our area.

Species in southern Africa

Torpedo fuscomaculata (Blackspotted torpedo)

A large electric ray with a small caudal fin, small papillae around the spiracles, and a dull grey upper surface with variable markings, often formed as dark lines or large spots; two colour variants are illustrated. Underside white.

Torpedo cf. nobiliana (South coast torpedo)

A large electric ray with a huge paddle-shaped caudal fin, no papillae around the spiracle, and uniform shiny black or dark grey upper surface. Underside white.

Torpedo sinuspersici (Marbled torpedo)

A large electric ray with a small caudal fin, papillae around the spiracle, and a distinctive bright colour pattern of cream or golden circles and irregular marks on a dark red or brown to blackish background.

Torpedo sp. nov.? (Mozambique offshore torpedo)

 

Text by Leonard J.V. Compagno, David A. Ebert and Malcolm J. Smale