There is hardly a fish that has as many German names as the torpedo panthera. Torpedo rays, trembling rays, panther torpedo rays, bowhead torpedo rays and also bowhead trembling rays. 

This is a ray from the genus Torpedo in the family of electric rays (Torpedinida) Rays evolved from sharks over 100 million years ago and, like sharks, have a cartilaginous skeleton.

The torpedo panthera is a bottom dweller. 

Usually buried in the sand and therefore difficult to recognize. The only noticeable features are the attached eyes and the tail fin, which can protrude a little from the sand. 

The eyes are well developed and can see well even in dim light. There are also two spiracles directly behind the two eyes.  These are an additional breathing opening that can be opened and closed as required.

This allows the animals to suck in and release the water required for breathing through these two openings when they are lying on the ground.

The mouth is located on the underside of the body. It is very flexible and therefore allows large prey to be swallowed. The torpedo panthera feeds mainly on molluscs (snails, worms and crustaceans) and fish.