Common torpedo (Torpedo torpedo) fish species and information / pictures of Common torpedo - Torpedo torpedo

Common torpedo (Torpedo torpedo) fish species information

Scientific Name
Torpedo torpedo

Common Name
Common torpedo

Biology
Found on soft bottoms, usually inshore but occasionally deeper. Feeds on small fishes and also benthic invertebrates. Ovoviviparous, with 3-21 in a litter (Ref. 12951). Size at birth 9 cm (Ref. 12951). Capable of inflicting a severe shock of up to 200 volts.

Classification

Classified By
Linnaeus, 1758
Class
Sharks and Rays (Elasmobranchii)
Order
Electric rays (Torpediniformes)
Family
Electric rays (Torpedinidae)

Distribution

Region
Eastern Atlantic
Distribution
Eastern Atlantic: southern Bay of Biscay and throughout the Mediterranean to Angola. Most common in tropical waters.
Range
46°N - 17°S, 18°W - 36°E

Environment

Climate
Deep-water
Water Temperature From
Unknown °C
Water Temperature To
Unknown °C
Depth From - meters
2 m
Depth To - meters
400 m
Zone
demersal
Environment
Marine; demersal; depth range 2 - 400 m (Ref. 4430), usually ? - 70 m (Ref. 27000)
Trophic Level
4.5 s.e. 0.80 Based on diet studies.
Occurs in Marine / Salt water
True
Occurs in Brackish water
False
Occurs in Fresh Water
False
Occurs on Reefs
False
Is kept in Aquariums
True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length
60.0 cm
Common Length
39 cm
Phylogenetic Diversity Index
PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses
Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: public aquariums
Vulnerability
High to very high vulnerability (65 of 100)
Resilience
Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (K=0.11)
Threat To Humans
Other (Ref. 4690)
IUCN Red List Status
  Data deficient (DD)