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Blackspotted electric ray

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description Blackspotted electric ray Overview

The blackspotted electric ray, Torpedo fuscomaculata, is a poorly documented species in the electric-ray family Torpedinidae. It occurs in the western Indian Ocean, including waters around southern Africa, and has a dull gray upper surface with variable dark lines or large spots and a white underside. It occupies sandy or estuarine habitats, feeds on fish and cuttlefish, and can use an electric discharge to stun larger prey.

help Blackspotted electric ray FAQ

What is the scientific name and range of the blackspotted electric ray?

The blackspotted electric ray is Torpedo fuscomaculata, a poorly documented member of the electric-ray family Torpedinidae. Its recorded western Indian Ocean range extends from South Africa toward Zanzibar and possibly the Kenyan coast. [FishBase field guide](https://www.fishbase.se/Fieldguide/FieldGuideSummary.php?c_code=462&genusname=Torpedo&speciesname=fuscomaculata)

How can the blackspotted electric ray be identified?

It has a dull gray upper surface with variable dark lines or large spots and a rounded electric-ray body shape. The species is less well documented than familiar rays, so markings can vary between records.

Can Torpedo fuscomaculata produce an electric shock?

Yes, it belongs to the electric-ray genus Torpedo and has electrical organs capable of producing a shock. That shock is used in the capture or defense behavior associated with electric rays.

How is the blackspotted electric ray different from the brown cownose ray?

Torpedo fuscomaculata is an electric ray with a rounded disc and shock-producing organs, while Rhinoptera bonasus has a distinctive bilobed snout and crushing tooth plates. The blackspotted species occurs in the western Indian Ocean, whereas the brown cownose ray is associated with the western Atlantic.

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