Black-spotted torpedo
📖 Overview
Inhabits estuaries and intertidal zone down to 439 m . Found in sandy areas near deep rocky reefs . Feeds on fishes and cuttlefish . Ovoviviparous . Large prey probably stunned by its powerful electric discharge . Young born in the summer . Common accidental catch of anglers .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Large ray with a small caudal fin and small papillae around the spiracles . Dull grey above with variable markings, often in the form of dark lines or large spots; white below .: other.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Black-spotted torpedo is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Black-spotted torpedo is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Exhibit ovoviparity (aplacental viviparity), with embryos feeding initially on yolk, then receiving additional nourishment from the mother by indirect absorption of uterine fluid enriched with mucus, fat or protein through specialised structures .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 439 m , usually ? - 50 m . Tropical; 2°S - 35°S, 17°E - 59°E South Africa to Zanzibar and possibly as far north as the Kenyan coast.
🌿 Ecology
fishes and cuttlefish (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Black-spotted Torpedo · Black-spotted torpedo, Blackspotted electric ray · Blackspotted Torpedo · Electric Ray · blackspotted electric ray |
| 🌍AFR | Drilvis · Swartspikkel-drilvis |
| 🌍CES | parejnok temnoskvrnný |
| 🇩🇪German | Schwarztupfen-Torpedorochen |
| 🇫🇮Finnish | laikkusähkörausku |
| 🇫🇷French | Raie Trembleur · Torpille tachetée |
| 🇮🇹Italian | Razza elettrica a macchie scure · Torpedine a macchie scure |
| 🌍SWA | Kiteza |
| 🌍THA | ปลากระเบนไฟฟ้าตอร์ปิโดจุดดำ |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narcacion fuscomaculatus | Peters | 1855 | Synonym |
| Narcacion polleni | Bleeker | 1865 | Synonym |
| Torpedo polleni | Bleeker | 1865 | Synonym |
| Torpedo smithii | Günther | 1870 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 6 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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