Bizarre Facts: It’s Electrifying!

If only an Electric Torpedo Ray could light up the Dana Point Boat Parade! Because Dana Wharf Sportfishing found a rare species at the end of their line on Nov. 29 – an electric torpedo ray. An electric torpedo ray, also known as an electric ray or torpedo, is a type of fish belonging to the family Torpedinidae. These rays are known for their ability to produce electric shocks, which they use for various purposes, including hunting, self-defense and navigation. There are several species of electric rays, and they are found in both saltwater and freshwater environments, but it is rare when they make an appearance. Electric rays have specialized electrogenic organs composed of modified muscle cells called electrocytes. These organs are arranged in stacks, and when activated, they can generate electric charges. The electric discharges are used for stunning or immobilizing prey, deterring predators and navigation. Specialized electroreceptor cells are distributed over the ray’s body, especially on the head and around the mouth. These electroreceptor cells are sensitive to the electric fields generated by the ray’s electric organ discharge (EOD). The ray can sense changes in the electric field around it, allowing it to perceive the presence of nearby objects, including other...