Eyed Electric Ray Fish
Electric rays have a small kidney-shaped muscular organ on each side of their body that, when contracted, can generate an electrical discharge. Some species generate only 20 or 30 volts, but the common torpedo, or eyed electric ray, ran inflict a shock of up to 200 volts. (A related species, the much larger Torpedo nobiliana, generates as much a.5. 220 volts.) The electricity is used to defend the ray against attack, and also to stun or kill its prey, and is quite enough to give a person a shock if touched. All electric rays have a rounded shape, with a blunt snout and thick body. The common torpedo has five bright blue, dark-edged spots on its back.
Scientific name : Torpedo torpedo
Classification : Order Torpediniformes (electric rays and allies)
Family : Torpedinidae
Size : About 60cm (24in) long; female smaller
Distribution : Eastern Atlantic; Mediterranean
Habitat : Tropical and warm temperate waters, usually near coasts
Diet : Mainly small fish; also bottom-living invertebrates
Reproduction : Ovoviviparous; up to 21 young born after about 5-month gestation