There is hardly a fish that has so many names as the torpedo panthera.
Torpedo ray, electric ray, panther torpedo ray, bowhead torpedo ray and also bowhead electric ray.
The is a ray from the genus Torpedo in the family of electric rays (Torpedinida).
The rays evolved from the sharks for over 100 million years and have a cartilaginous skeleton like the sharks.
The torpedo panthera is a bottom dweller
Usually buried in the sand and thus difficult to see. The only noticeable features are the attached eyes and caudal fin, which may protrude a little from the sand.
The eyes of the topedo ray are well developed and can see well even in dim, light.
Directly behind the two eyes are also two spiracles (spiraculum).
These are an additional breathing hole that can be opened and closed as needed. This allows the animals, when lying on the ground, to suck in and release the water necessary for breathing through these two openings.
The mouth of the torpedo ray is located on the underside of the body. It is highly expandable, allowing it to swallow even large prey. The torpedo panthera feeds mainly on molusks (snails, worms and crabs) and fish.
Reproduction occurs with copulation of males with females. After maturing in the egg yolk, the young are born alive.
Electric Ray in the Red Sea
The name electric ray is due to the Latin name of this genus. Torpedinida derived from torpére which means to be stunned. The electric ray has this name because it is one of the few fish that are able to generate electricity.
This by having under the skin specially developed muscle cells called electrocytes. In the torpedo panthera, these muscle cells are located at the base of the right and left pectoral fins. This allows them to generate biogenic electricity, which they can discharge as surges to defend themselves from attack or to stun their prey. In any case, as with all fish in the sea, hands off.
You would like to look at it? YES of course. See the unique footage of a free swimming torpedo panthera in the bay at Sahl Hasheesh. Link you tube:
Fotos und Film (link you tube) Johann Vifian
Quellen: Riffführer Rotes Meer / Wikipedia /
SRZ 24. May 2021 Johann
