Marbled Electric Ray - Torpedo marmorata - Gliding over a Rocky Reef

A Marbled Electric Ray moves over a rocky Mediterranean seabed, its muted mottled colouring blending closely with the surrounding reef.

The Marbled Electric Ray (Torpedo marmorata) has a broad, rounded disc formed by the enlarged pectoral fins, a short thick tail and two small dorsal fins positioned toward the rear of the body. Its upper surface is usually brown, grey or olive with irregular darker and lighter marbling that provides effective camouflage over rocky and mixed seabeds. Like other electric rays, it possesses specialised electric organs on either side of the head that can produce a powerful defensive discharge and also help subdue prey. It is primarily nocturnal and is often found resting or partly buried during the day around rocky reefs, seagrass beds and nearby sandy or muddy bottoms. The species occurs throughout the Mediterranean and can reach about 100 centimetres in total length, although individuals around 60 centimetres are more typical.