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Tonkin numbfish (Narcine prodorsalis) — Narcinidae

Tonkin numbfish

Narcine prodorsalis
Family: Narcinidae

The Tonkin numbfish (Narcine prodorsalis) is a saltwater fish of the family Narcinidae that grows up to 40 cm.

Length
40 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–50.0 m
Body shape
Irregular
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Can cause injury

Description

The Tonkin numbfish is an electric ray (Narcinidae) from coastal waters of the Indo-West Pacific. 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 Tonkin numbfish?

The Tonkin numbfish has an irregular in shape body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Tonkin numbfish live?

The Tonkin numbfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Tonkin numbfish get?

The Tonkin numbfish grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.

Is the Tonkin numbfish dangerous to humans?

The Tonkin numbfish can cause injury; handle it with care.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Tonkin-sidderrog sourced
English name
Tonkin numbfish sourced
Scientific name
Narcine prodorsalis
Family
Narcinidae
Other names
Tonkin electric ray; Tonkin numbfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
40.0 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
Max depth (m)
50.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Can cause injury verified

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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