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Painted dwarf electric ray (Diplobatis pictus) — Narcinidae

Painted dwarf electric ray

Diplobatis pictus
Family: Narcinidae

The Painted dwarf electric ray (Diplobatis pictus) is a fish of the family Narcinidae that grows up to 25 cm.

Length
25 cm
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Can cause injury

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Description

The painted dwarf electric ray is a small electric ray (Narcinidae) from shallow sand and mud water of the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a round, flat, soft disc with a fine marbled or spotted pattern and a short tail. In its 'wings' it carries electric organs with which it stuns prey and defends itself. Half-buried it searches for worms and small crustaceans. A touch can give a person an electric shock.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Painted dwarf electric ray?

The Painted dwarf electric ray has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care.

Where does the Painted dwarf electric ray live?

The Painted dwarf electric ray is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Painted dwarf electric ray get?

The Painted dwarf electric ray grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.

Is the Painted dwarf electric ray dangerous to humans?

The Painted dwarf electric ray can cause injury; handle it with care. This fish can deliver an electric shock that causes muscle cramp and a startle reaction; do not touch it. Someone receiving an unexpected shock in the water may briefly lose control, which is dangerous while swimming. For persistent symptoms or a fall caused by the shock, see a doctor.

More photos

Painted dwarf electric ray (Diplobatis pictus) — Narcinidae — 2
Florida Museum of Natural History Ichthyology (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — UF
Painted dwarf electric ray (Diplobatis pictus) — Narcinidae — 3
Florida Museum of Natural History Ichthyology (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — UF
Painted dwarf electric ray (Diplobatis pictus) — Narcinidae — 4
Florida Museum of Natural History Ichthyology (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — UF
Painted dwarf electric ray (Diplobatis pictus) — Narcinidae — 5
Florida Museum of Natural History Ichthyology (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — UF
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All data

Identification

English name
Painted dwarf electric ray sourced
Scientific name
Diplobatis pictus
Family
Narcinidae
Other names
Painted electric ray

Appearance

Size class
Medium
Max length (cm)
25 inferred
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Sand / mud bottom 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

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Can cause injury verified
First aid
This fish can deliver an electric shock that causes muscle cramp and a startle reaction; do not touch it. Someone receiving an unexpected shock in the water may briefly lose control, which is dangerous while swimming. For persistent symptoms or a fall caused by the shock, see a doctor. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Diplobatis

More from the family Narcinidae

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