zoom_in Click to enlarge

Common Torpedo

▲ ▼

description Common Torpedo Overview

The Common Torpedo (Torpedo torpedo) is a species of electric ray found in the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean. Like other electric rays, it has paired electric organs on its head capable of generating discharges of up to 200 volts, which it uses both to stun prey and for defense. This benthic species typically rests partially buried in sandy or muddy substrates in shallow coastal waters. It is a member of the family Torpedinidae and is sometimes called the crampfish or numbfish.

help Common Torpedo FAQ

How powerful is the electric shock from a Common Torpedo ray?

The Common Torpedo has paired electric organs on its head that can generate a discharge of up to 200 volts. It uses this strong electric shock primarily to stun its prey, such as small benthic fish, and to defend itself against predators.

Where can the Common Torpedo electric ray be found in the wild?

This species of electric ray is typically found in the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean. They prefer shallow coastal waters where they can camouflage themselves in the sandy or muddy sea floor.

Is the Common Torpedo dangerous to humans?

While an electric shock of up to 200 volts is painful, the Common Torpedo is not aggressive toward humans. Most shocks occur when swimmers or divers accidentally step on a ray that is buried hidden in the sand.

How does the Common Torpedo hunt for food?

These electric rays are ambush predators that wait camouflaged on the seafloor for fish to pass by. Once prey is in range, they envelop it with their pectoral fins and deliver a stunning electric shock before consuming it.

swap_horiz

Looking for Common Torpedo alternatives? Compare top competitors ranked & scored

arrow_forward