Body shape and fins
Flattened body with enlarged pectoral fins, typical of rays.
Photo byPhilippe Guillaume
Species Guide
What to know about electric rays
A clean field guide focused on habitat, identification, behavior, and conservation context without burying the useful parts.
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.
Identification
How to identify electric rays
The visual markers divers can use underwater, plus the species most likely to cause confusion.
Key identification markers
Electric organs
Capable of producing electric discharges (8–220 volts depending on species).
