Narcinidae
Narcinidae is a family of electric rays, commonly known as numbfish or torpedo rays. These elasmobranchs are characterized by their flattened, disk-shaped bodies and the presence of powerful electric organs located on either side of their heads. They are found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, typically inhabiting sandy or muddy bottoms near the coast.
Characteristics
Narcinidae species exhibit several distinctive features, including:
- Flattened body: Their bodies are dorsoventrally flattened, resembling a disk shape, allowing for efficient maneuvering on the seabed.
- Electric organs: They possess large, specialized electric organs, modified muscle tissue, located on either side of their head. These organs generate strong electrical discharges used for defense and stunning prey.
- Small, rounded fins: Their pectoral fins are large and rounded, extending around the head and forming a continuous margin with the head. Their dorsal fins are small and positioned near the tail.
- Ventral mouth: Their mouth is located on the underside of their body, along with their gill slits.
- Lack of anal fin: Narcinidae species do not possess an anal fin.
Environments
Numbfish are commonly found in various marine environments, including:
- Coastal waters: They are typically found near the coast, inhabiting sandy or muddy bottoms.
- Shallow waters: They prefer shallow water depths, ranging from the intertidal zone to around 200 meters (656 feet).
- Tropical and subtropical regions: They are distributed worldwide in tropical and subtropical waters.
References
For further information, please consult the following resources: