# Torpedo Ray (*Tetronarce formosa*) The Torpedo Ray is a fascinating fish that can deliver electric shocks to stun its prey. It has a flat body and hides in the sand to ambush passing fish. - **Category:** [Fish](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/fish) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 3/5 · Moderate - **Habitat:** Coastal areas - **Also known as:** Numbfish ![Torpedo Ray](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424639/objects/6467.jpg) ## Appearance The Torpedo Ray has a flat, disc-shaped body that is nearly circular, with small eyes on its upper surface. Its skin is typically smooth, brownish-grey to reddish-brown, often without prominent markings, helping it blend perfectly with the seabed. Unlike many other rays, it has no stinging barb on its tail. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Chondrichthyes - **Order:** Torpediniformes - **Family:** Torpedinidae - **Genus:** Tetronarce ## Interesting facts - Some Torpedo Rays can generate up to 220 volts of electricity, enough to power a lightbulb! - They often 'hug' their prey with their large pectoral fins before delivering an electric shock. - Torpedo Rays have tiny teeth, but they don't chew; they swallow their stunned prey whole! - Unlike most rays, the Torpedo Ray does not have a venomous stinger on its tail. ## Special abilities - **Electric Shock:** Torpedo Ray can generate strong electric shocks because of specialized organs that help them stun prey and defend against predators. - **Camouflage Master:** Torpedo Ray can hide perfectly on the seabed because of its flat, drab coloration and ability to bury itself, helping it ambush unsuspecting prey. - **Electro-Sense:** Torpedo Ray has a special sense that helps them detect the weak electrical fields of hidden prey, even when they can't see them. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 30-90 cm - **Weight:** 2-20 kg - **Lifespan:** 8-15 years - **Swim Speed:** 5 km/h - **Maximum Depth:** 400 m - **Water Type:** Saltwater ## Diet & Feeding Torpedo Rays eat other fish and small creatures found on the seafloor. - **Primary Foods:** small bottom-dwelling fish, crabs, shrimp, squid - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Tiger Shark](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tiger-shark) (*Galeocerdo cuvier*) — Large sharks sometimes prey on electric rays. - **Eats:** Red Seabream (*Pagrus major*) — Stuns and consumes bottom-dwelling fish. - **Eats:** Olive Flounder (*Paralichthys olivaceus*) — Ambush predator of various flatfish. ## Traits - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Piscivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/piscivorous): Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish. - [Ambush Predator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ambush-predator): An ambush predator hunts by patiently waiting and concealing itself, then launching a sudden attack when unsuspecting prey comes within range. - [Ancient Lineage](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ancient-lineage): This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years. - [Coastal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/coastal): Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater. - [Electrogenic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/electrogenic): This trait describes organisms capable of generating electric fields or electric shocks. - [Aquatic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aquatic): Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. - [Venomous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/venomous): Venomous organisms produce toxins that are injected into another animal, typically through a bite or sting. ## Collections - [Fish](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/fish) ## Safety **Danger:** 3/5 · Moderate Avoid touching or disturbing Torpedo Rays in the wild to stay safe. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Torpedo Ray? Look at body shape, where the fins sit and their outline, mouth position, stripes and spots. Young fish and breeding adults can wear different patterns, and aquarium color varieties can look nothing like wild fish. Fish Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Torpedo Ray? 30-90 cm ### How much does Torpedo Ray weigh? 2-20 kg ### How long does Torpedo Ray live? 8-15 years ### What does Torpedo Ray eat? Torpedo Rays eat other fish and small creatures found on the seafloor. ### How fast can Torpedo Ray swim? 5 km/h ### Where is Torpedo Ray usually found? Coastal areas ### How does Torpedo Ray hunt? Ambush ## More Fish - [Rainbow Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/rainbow-trout) (*Oncorhynchus mykiss*) - [Brown Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-trout) (*Salmo trutta*) - [Brook Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brook-trout) (*Salvelinus fontinalis*) - [Lake Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/lake-trout) (*Salvelinus namaycush*) --- Source: [Torpedo Ray: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/torpedo-ray)