ANIMAL SPECIES:Short-tail Torpedo Ray, Torpedo macneilli (Whitley, 1932)
The Short-tail Torpedo Ray's disc is usually broader than long. The profile across the front of the fish is nearly straight. The skin is smooth, but may be creased. There are two small dorsal fins and a large caudal fin. The eyes are very small. On the underside of the head are five pairs of gill slits. This species is grey, yellowish or brown above and white below.
Alternative Names/s
Electric Ray, TorpedoIdentification
The Short-tail Torpedo Ray's disc is usually broader than long. The profile across the front of the fish is nearly straight. The skin is smooth, but may be creased. There are two small dorsal fins and a large caudal fin. The eyes are very small. On the underside of the head are five pairs of gill slits.
This species is grey, yellowish or brown above and white below.
Size range
It grows to at least 1m in length.Distribution
The Short-tail Torpedo Ray is endemic to Australia. It is known from the north-western coast of Western Australia, around the south of the country including Tasmania, and north to the central coast of Queensland.
Habitat
It is a bottom dwelling species that normally occurs between 90 m and 580 m in depth.
Behaviour and adaptations
Other behaviours and adaptations
The Short-tail Torpedo Ray has electric organs in the disc. The organs are made up of hexagonal, fluid filled cells that cause the upper surface of the fish to have a positive charge and the lower surface a negative charge. Reports exist of fishermen who have received severe electric shocks from handling this fish.
Classification
- Species:
- macneilli
- Genus:
- Torpedo
- Family:
- Torpedinidae
- Class:
- Chondrichthyes
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Last, P.R. in Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. State Print, Adelaide. Pp. 992.
- Last, P.R. & J.D. Stevens. 1994. Sharks and Rays of Australia. CSIRO. Pp. 513.
Would you like to add a comment?
Sign up to add comments and find out more about the other benefits you can enjoy.
Would you like to add a tag?
Sign up to add tags and find out more about the other benefits you can enjoy.
what's on
Egyptian Treasures: art of the pharaohs
13 Sep 09 – 06 Dec 09
Discover the significance of art in ancient Egypt through the eyes of Ramose, a young apprentice learning ancient secrets from a master craftsman. Explore over 250 stunning artefacts from exquisitely decorated coffins, hieroglyphs, mummies, jewellery, bowls and much more. Some objects are on display as a world first!
Level G, Special Exhibition Space
Support us
Help us continue to provide quality research, education, community programs and exhibitions.
Online Shop
Featuring a selection of products relating to the collections.
Australian Museum Members
Join today to come to the Museum for free and enjoy many other benefits.
AMBS
Australian Museum Business Services - Ecological, archaeological and heritage consulting.
Museum as a Venue
We have many unique venues ideal for dinner, cocktails, weddings and conferences.