Torpedinoidei

The Torpedinoidei are a suborder of rays known for their ability to produce electric shocks. These fish, belonging to families like Torpedinidae, Narkidae, Narcinidae, and Hypnidae, are found in warm and temperate waters worldwide.1

Electric rays are slow-moving bottom dwellers that feed on fish and invertebrates. They use their electric organs, modified muscle tissue located on each side of the head within their disk-shaped bodies, for defense, sensory location, and capturing prey. The shocks can reach up to 220 volts, strong enough to incapacitate a human. While generally harmless, they are of negligible commercial interest. These rays range in length from under 30 cm to about 2 meters.1