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Ben-Tuvia's electric ray (Heteronarce bentuviai) — Narkidae

Ben-Tuvia's electric ray

Heteronarce bentuviai
Family: Narkidae

The Ben-Tuvia's electric ray (Heteronarce bentuviai) is a saltwater fish of the family Narkidae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
17.6 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–160.0 m
Body shape
Irregular
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Can cause injury
Range
Asia: Israel, Jordan

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Description

Ben-Tuvia's electric ray is an electric ray (Narkidae) from coastal waters of the Red Sea and western Indian Ocean. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a flattened, almost round, brownish body with a short tail. In its pectoral fins it carries electric organs with which it stuns prey and defends itself. As a bottom-dweller it often lies half-buried on sand and mud bottoms and searches for worms and small invertebrates. On contact it can deliver an electric shock.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Ben-Tuvia's electric ray?

The Ben-Tuvia's electric ray has an irregular in shape body and is mainly brown. Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care.

Where does the Ben-Tuvia's electric ray live?

The Ben-Tuvia's electric ray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Israel, Jordan

How big does the Ben-Tuvia's electric ray get?

The Ben-Tuvia's electric ray grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.

Is the Ben-Tuvia's electric ray dangerous to humans?

The Ben-Tuvia's electric ray can cause injury; handle it with care. This fish can deliver an electric shock causing muscle cramp and brief numbness; do not touch it. A shock in the water can lead to drowning, so bring an affected person to dry land at once and keep watch. For heart symptoms or persistent complaints seek medical help.

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All data

Identification

English name
Ben-Tuvia's electric ray sourced
Scientific name
Heteronarce bentuviai
Family
Narkidae
Other names
Elat electric ray; Eilat sleeper ray verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
17.6 verified
Body shape
Irregular sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
160.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Israel, Jordan sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Can cause injury verified
First aid
This fish can deliver an electric shock causing muscle cramp and brief numbness; do not touch it. A shock in the water can lead to drowning, so bring an affected person to dry land at once and keep watch. For heart symptoms or persistent complaints seek medical help. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Narkidae

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