Fin's Fish Guide
The Electric ray (Tetronarce californica) is a saltwater fish of the family Torpedinidae that grows up to 140 cm.
Description
The Pacific electric ray is an electric ray (Torpedinidae) from the northeastern Pacific. The species has a round, fleshy body disc and bears a pair of electric organs on either side of the head with which it can deliver a powerful jolt. It lives bottom-bound on the outer continental shelf, around rocks, in kelp beds and on sand bottoms. With a stunning shock it overpowers fishes, which it then engulfs. The shock can give a person a painful injury and danger in the water.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Electric ray?
The Electric ray has an irregular in shape body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Electric organs on either side of the head for a powerful, paralysing shock.
Where does the Electric ray live?
The Electric ray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Pacific; outer shelf, kelp and sandy bottoms.
How big does the Electric ray get?
The Electric ray grows to a maximum of about 140 cm. On average the species is around 91 cm.
Is the Electric ray dangerous to humans?
The Electric ray can cause injury; handle it with care. Can deliver a powerful electric shock that may cause muscle paralysis and, in the water, a risk of drowning. Do not touch the animal; for a shock, get the victim out of the water and seek medical care.
Is the Electric ray edible?
The Electric ray is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Tetronarce
More from the family Torpedinidae
Want the complete picture on the Electric ray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Electric ray is one of 12,519 species in the app.