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Rosette torpedo (Torpedo bauchotae) — Torpedinidae

Rosette torpedo

Torpedo bauchotae
Family: Torpedinidae

The Rosette torpedo (Torpedo bauchotae) is a saltwater fish of the family Torpedinidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
14.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–60.0 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Can cause injury
Range
Africa: Congo, Ivory coast, Senegal

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Description

The Rosette torpedo is an electric ray (Torpedinidae) from sand and mud bottoms of the eastern Atlantic off West Africa. The species grows to about 50 cm and has a round, flat, soft disc with a short tail. In its 'wings' it carries large electric organs with which it delivers a powerful jolt to stun prey and defend itself. Half-buried it waits for small fish, which it stuns with a shock and swallows. A touch can give a person an unpleasant, sometimes severe electric shock.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Rosette torpedo?

The Rosette torpedo has a flattened, disc-shaped 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 Rosette torpedo live?

The Rosette torpedo lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Congo, Ivory coast, Senegal

How big does the Rosette torpedo get?

The Rosette torpedo grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Rosette torpedo dangerous to humans?

The Rosette torpedo can cause injury; handle it with care. This fish can deliver a powerful 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, palpitations or a fall caused by the shock, see a doctor.

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All data

Identification

English name
Rosette torpedo sourced
Scientific name
Torpedo bauchotae
Family
Torpedinidae
Other names
Rosette torpedo verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
14.5 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
60.0 verified
Natural range
Africa: Congo, Ivory coast, Senegal 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
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Can cause injury verified
First aid
This fish can deliver a powerful 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, palpitations 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 Torpedo

More from the family Torpedinidae

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