Torpedo marmorata

(Risso, 1810)

Vernacular names

English : Marbled electric ray
French : Torpille marbrée

Classification

Class : Elasmobranchii
Order : Torpediniformes
Family : Torpedinidae
Notes : No subspecies known

Identification

Adults can reach a total length of nearly 100 cm for a maximum weight of 3 kg. Very flat body disc, long and thin tail with round-shaped fins. Coloration beige to brown with clear and dark dots giving a marbled aspect.

Range and habitat

This species occurs around the Eastern Atlantic Ocean, from northern British Isles and North Sea to Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, also in Mediterranean sea. Lives in seagrass areas, sandy bottoms, rocky areas, down to 370 m.

Conservation

IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Not Listed
Status : Its status in the wild is unknown. It appears to be common in some parts of its range although. Fishing by demersal trawl can be a threat.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation