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Brown numbfish (Narcine brunnea) — Narcinidae

Brown numbfish

Narcine brunnea
Family: Narcinidae

The Brown numbfish (Narcine brunnea) is a saltwater fish of the family Narcinidae that grows up to 22 cm.

Length
22 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Irregular
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Can cause injury
Range
Asia: Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Thailand

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Description

The brown numbfish is an electric ray (Narcinidae) from coastal waters of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 22 cm and has a flattened, elongate-oval, brown body with a rounded front disc and a short tail with two dorsal fins. With large electric organs it can generate a shock to stun prey and defend itself. As a bottom-dweller it lies half-buried on sand and mud bottoms and searches for worms and small crustaceans. The shock is unpleasant; do not touch a live animal.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Brown numbfish?

The Brown numbfish 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 Brown numbfish live?

The Brown numbfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Thailand

How big does the Brown numbfish get?

The Brown numbfish grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.

Is the Brown numbfish dangerous to humans?

The Brown numbfish can cause injury; handle it with care. Do not touch a live electric ray with bare hands; it can deliver an electric shock. Anyone shocked should release the animal and steady themselves to avoid a fall. Seek medical help for heart complaints or persistent symptoms.

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All data

Identification

English name
Brown numbfish sourced
Scientific name
Narcine brunnea
Family
Narcinidae
Other names
Brown electric ray; Brown numbfish; Electric ray; Numbfish verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Asia: Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Thailand 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
Do not touch a live electric ray with bare hands; it can deliver an electric shock. Anyone shocked should release the animal and steady themselves to avoid a fall. Seek medical help for heart complaints or persistent symptoms. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Narcine

More from the family Narcinidae

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