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Shortlip electric ray (Narcine brevilabiata) — Narcinidae

Shortlip electric ray

Narcine brevilabiata
Family: Narcinidae

The Shortlip electric ray (Narcine brevilabiata) is a saltwater fish of the family Narcinidae that grows up to 32 cm.

Length
32 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
20.0–70.0 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Can cause injury
Range
Asia: China, Viet Nam, Thailand

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Description

The shortlip electric ray is an electric ray (Narcinidae) from shallow sand and mud water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has an elongate, flat, soft disc with a short tail. In its 'wings' it carries electric organs with which it delivers a jolt to stun prey and defend itself. Half-buried it searches for worms and small crustaceans. A touch can give a person an unpleasant electric shock.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Shortlip electric ray?

The Shortlip electric ray 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 Shortlip electric ray live?

The Shortlip electric ray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: China, Viet Nam, Thailand

How big does the Shortlip electric ray get?

The Shortlip electric ray grows to a maximum of about 32 cm.

Is the Shortlip electric ray dangerous to humans?

The Shortlip 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Shortlip electric ray sourced
Scientific name
Narcine brevilabiata
Family
Narcinidae
Other names
Shortlip numbfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
32.0 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
Min depth (m)
20.0 verified
Max depth (m)
70.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: China, Viet Nam, Thailand 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 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 Narcine

More from the family Narcinidae

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