Story: Sharks and rays

Electric ray

Electric ray

Electric rays, or New Zealand torpedoes, stun their prey with an electric shock. Estimated at 50 volts in some rays, the charge is enough to make an adult human collapse. One of about 14 electric ray species in the world, Torpedo fairchildi, pictured here, is found only in New Zealand.

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Photograph by Ian Skipworth

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How to cite this page:

Gerard Hutching, 'Sharks and rays - Rays and skates', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/5346/electric-ray (accessed 26 April 2024)

Story by Gerard Hutching, published 12 Jun 2006