Marbled Electric Ray - Torpedo marmorata - Gliding above the Seabed

A Marbled Electric Ray glides over a Mediterranean seabed, clearly showing its broad rounded disc, short tail and paired dorsal fins.

The Marbled Electric Ray (Torpedo marmorata) has a broad, almost circular disc formed by its enlarged pectoral fins, a short thick tail, two distinct dorsal fins and a well-developed caudal fin. Its upper surface is generally brown, grey or olive with irregular mottling that provides effective camouflage against rocky, sandy and mixed seabeds. Specialised electric organs positioned on either side of the head can generate powerful electrical discharges used both for defence and for stunning prey. The species is mainly nocturnal and commonly rests partly buried during daylight hours around rocky reefs, seagrass beds and adjacent soft bottoms. It occurs throughout the Mediterranean and commonly grows to around 60 centimetres, with a recorded maximum total length of about 100 centimetres.