Short-tailed Electric Ray ( Numbfish )

Description:

It is identified as a flat ray with a large main disc, followed by a smaller second one which contains the dorsal and caudal fins and appear as a row on the short tail. It can often be found hiding under sand waiting for unsuspecting prey to pass over. When the unlucky victim is close enough the ray generates an electric shock which in turn stuns them, making them an easy catch. As they are not swift swimmers, they rely on camouflage and their electrical charge for hunting. Although the electric shock is strong it is not fatal to humans but the initial shock has been known to cause serious problems when diving. Size: 60cm in length (Maximum) Diet: Crustaceans, Worms & Fish

Habitat:

The species is found on sand and mud bottoms in shallow bays and estuaries, but is also known to depths over 200 m. When seen by divers it is usually buried in the sediment where a telltale rounded depression gives away its presence.

Notes:

It is identified as a flat ray with a large main disc, followed by a smaller second one which contains the dorsal and caudal fins and appear as a row on the short tail. It can often be found hiding under sand waiting for unsuspecting prey to pass over. When the unlucky victim is close enough the ray generates an electric shock which in turn stuns them, making them an easy catch. As they are not swift swimmers, they rely on camouflage and their electrical charge for hunting. Although the electric shock is strong it is not fatal to humans but the initial shock has been known to cause serious problems when diving. Size: 60cm in length (Maximum) Diet: Crustaceans, Worms & Fish