Tasmanian Numbfish, Narcine tasmaniensis Richardson, 1841

Scientific name: Narcine tasmaniensis
Alternative name/s:
Electric Ray, Electric Torpedo, Ground Shark, Little Numbfish, Numbfish
Tasmanian Numbfish, Narcine tasmaniensis Click to enlarge image
A Tasmanian Numbfish at a depth of 10 m, Tranmere, Tasmania, 15 April 2010. Image: William White
© William White

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Narcine
    Species
    tasmaniensis
    Family
    Narcinidae
    Order
    Torpediniformes
    Class
    Chondrichthyes
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    It grows to about 47 cm in length.

Introduction

The Tasmainian Numbfish is an endemic species that lacks markings on the disc.

Identification

The Tasmanian Numbfish is yellowish to brown, without markings on the dorsal surface. The concave-margined disc is shorter than the tail.

Habitat

Marine waters, coastally in Tasmania and in deeper waters further north.

Distribution

This endemic species occurs from northern New South Wales to eastern Western Australia.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

References

  1. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
  2. Last, P.R. & J.D. Stevens. 2009. Sharks and Rays of Australia. Edition 2. CSIRO. Pp. 644, Pl. 1-91.