The Ocellated Electric Ray, Bullseye Electric Ray, Pacific Dwarf Numbfish, scientifically known as Diplobatis ommata, is a fascinating marine fish species belonging to the family Narcinidae.
Description & Characteristics
The Diplobatis ommata is a relatively small electric ray, reaching a maximum size of 25.0 cm. Its most distinctive feature is the presence of large, round, dark-colored spots, resembling bullseyes, scattered across its dorsal surface. This unique coloration pattern serves as a camouflage mechanism, helping the ray blend seamlessly with the rocky and sandy seafloors it inhabits.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Diplobatis ommata is a benthic species, meaning it lives on or near the bottom of the ocean floor. It is typically found in depths ranging from 3.0 to 94.0 meters. The Ocellated Electric Ray, Bullseye Electric Ray, Pacific Dwarf Numbfish, prefers shallow coastal waters and is commonly observed in the temperate and tropical regions of the eastern Pacific Ocean, particularly in marine zones characterized by rocky reefs, sandy bottoms, and seagrass beds.
Taxonomy
The species Diplobatis ommata belongs to the Class: Elasmobranchii, which includes all sharks, rays, and skates. It falls under the Order: Torpediniformes, a group of electric rays known for their ability to generate electric shocks. The Diplobatis ommata is part of the Family: Narcinidae, a family of electric rays characterized by their flattened bodies and ability to deliver a strong electric discharge.
Feeding
The Ocellated Electric Ray, Bullseye Electric Ray, Pacific Dwarf Numbfish is a carnivore and relies primarily on a diet of crustaceans, small fish, and other benthic organisms, such as worms and mollusks. Using its sensitive electroreceptors, it locates prey buried in the seabed and stuns it with an electric shock before consuming it.
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