The common torpedo is a flattened, disc-shaped ray, typically reaching around 60 cm, with a pair of large electric organs that occupy most of its body. Found on sandy and muddy bottoms from shallow water down to at least 200 m, it generates powerful electric discharges—up to 220 volts—to stun prey and deter predators. Watch for its rounded pectoral fins and smooth skin; when threatened, it often buries itself in sediment, leaving only its eyes and spiracles exposed.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Elasmobranchii
- Order
- Torpediniformes
- Family
- Torpedinidae
- Genus
- Torpedo