Can electric rays produce electric shocks?

Yes; species can generate electric discharges ranging from 8 to 220 volts, used to stun prey and for defense.

How many species of electric rays are there?

There are 69 species of electric rays grouped in four families.

Why are they called "torpedo"?

The name comes from the Latin torpere, meaning to be stiffened or paralyzed, reflecting the effect of their electric shock; the undersea weapon was named after the fish.

What are their distinctive physical traits?

They are flattened cartilaginous fishes with enlarged pectoral fins.

What should you avoid when near an electric ray?

Avoid touching them, as their electric discharge can stun or paralyze.

Are electric rays used for defense?

Yes; their electric discharges serve both to stun prey and for defense.

Is the voltage the same across species?

No; the electric discharge varies by species, from about 8 to 220 volts.

Do electric rays belong to sharks or bony fishes?

They are cartilaginous fishes, not bony fishes.

Where to See Electric Ray While Diving

Electric rays are a group of flattened cartilaginous fishes in the order Torpediniformes, characterized by enlarged pectoral fins. They can produce electric discharges ranging from 8 to 220 volts depending on species, which they use to stun prey and for defense. The group contains 69 species divided among four families. Members of the genus Torpedo are among the best known; the undersea weapon "torpedo" was named after these fishes. The Latin root torpere, meaning "to be stiffened or paralyzed," refers to the effect of their electric shock on someone who touches the fish.

They use electric discharges to stun prey.

The strongest linked planning options currently surface around destinations such as Menorca, Gran Canaria, Musandam and countries such as Spain, France, Croatia for divers building trips around electric rays.