The Lesser Electric Ray (Narcine bancroftii) is a species of electric ray in the family Narcinidae. These rays are found in various marine environments, primarily in the western Atlantic Ocean, and are known for their ability to generate an electric shock as a defense mechanism.
Description & Characteristics
The Lesser Electric Ray (Narcine bancroftii) is a relatively small ray, reaching a maximum size of 65.0 cm. Its body is flattened, with a broad, rounded disc and a short, thick tail. The dorsal surface of the Lesser Electric Ray (Narcine bancroftii) is typically a light brown to gray color, often with darker blotches or spots. The ventral surface is lighter, often white or cream-colored. The eyes are small and positioned on the dorsal surface of the disc, while the spiracles are located just behind the eyes. The mouth is located on the underside of the head and is surrounded by several rows of small teeth. The Lesser Electric Ray (Narcine bancroftii) also possesses a pair of electric organs located on each side of its head, which it uses to generate an electric shock to stun prey or deter predators.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Lesser Electric Ray (Narcine bancroftii) is found in the western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from North Carolina to Brazil. They are typically found in shallow waters, such as estuaries, bays, and coastal areas. Their preferred habitat includes sandy bottoms, seagrass beds, and coral reefs, where they can bury themselves in the sediment to ambush prey. The Lesser Electric Ray (Narcine bancroftii) typically inhabits the Neritic zone, which is the shallow water area of the ocean that extends from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
The Lesser Electric Ray (Narcine bancroftii) belongs to the Class: Elasmobranchii, Order: Torpediniformes, and Family: Narcinidae. This family includes several other species of electric rays, all of which are characterized by their ability to generate an electric shock. The Torpediniformes order, which contains the electric rays, is part of the larger Class Elasmobranchii, which encompasses all sharks, rays, and skates.
Feeding
The Lesser Electric Ray (Narcine bancroftii) is a carnivorous predator that feeds primarily on small fish and worms. They use their electric organs to stun their prey before consuming them. They typically lie in wait, partially buried in the sand or sediment, and then ambush their prey when it comes within range. Their diet is varied and consists mainly of little fishes and worms.
Image References