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Torpedinoidei (electric rays)
Life
> Eukaryotes >
Opisthokonta
> Metazoa (animals) >
Bilateria >
Deuterostomia > Chordata >
Craniata > Vertebrata (vertebrates) > Gnathostomata (jawed
vertebrates) > Chondrichthyes > Elasmobranchii >
Batoidei > Rajiformes
These flattened, bottom-dwelling and pelagic
rays have rounded expanded pectoral fins forming a broad thick disk
with the head and body, and a short stout tail with a broad caudal
fin and 2, 1, or no dorsal fins. All have a pair of powerful,
kidney-shaped electric organs at the bases of the pectoral fins.
Large individuals are capable of delivering a sudden shock of up to
220 volts. Electric rays use their `batteries' to defend themselves
and to stun their prey. All are live-bearers. 4 families and 43
species, of which 2, the Torpedinidae and Narkidae, and at least 5
species occur in the area.
Families found in Southern Africa
Text by Leonard J.V. Compagno, David A. Ebert
and Malcolm J. Smale
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