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Leopard numbfish (Narcine leoparda) — Narcinidae

Leopard numbfish

Narcine leoparda
Family: Narcinidae

The Leopard numbfish (Narcine leoparda) is a saltwater fish of the family Narcinidae that grows up to 17 cm.

Length
16.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
10.0–35.0 m
Body shape
Irregular
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Can cause injury
Range
South America: Colombia, Ecuador

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Description

The Leopard numbfish is an electric ray (Narcinidae) from coastal waters of the eastern Pacific, off Colombia and nearby. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a flattened, oval, brownish body with a fairly stout tail bearing two dorsal fins. In its pectoral fins it carries powerful 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 a powerful electric shock.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Leopard numbfish?

The Leopard 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 Leopard numbfish live?

The Leopard numbfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Colombia, Ecuador

How big does the Leopard numbfish get?

The Leopard numbfish grows to a maximum of about 17 cm.

Is the Leopard numbfish dangerous to humans?

The Leopard numbfish 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
Leopard numbfish sourced
Scientific name
Narcine leoparda
Family
Narcinidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
16.5 verified
Body shape
Irregular sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Dorsal fins
Two separate sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
10.0 verified
Max depth (m)
35.0 verified
Natural range
South America: Colombia, Ecuador 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

Same genus Narcine

More from the family Narcinidae

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