Electric rays are cartilaginous marine fish belonging to the order Torpediniformes. These rays are known for their ability to generate electric shocks up to 220 volts, which they use for defense and to stun prey. They have rounded, soft bodies and kidney-shaped electric organs near their pectoral fins. Found on sandy seafloors or near rocky reefs, electric rays can live at depths of up to 3,000 meters and are often solitary and nomadic.
Scientific Name
Torpediniformes
Habitat
Sandy seafloors, rocky reefs, kelp beds, and deep pelagic waters (up to 3,000 m)
Conservation
Not endangered, but vulnerable to habitat degradation and bycatch
Lifespan
Estimated 15–20 years
Fun Fact
Electric rays can produce up to 1 kilowatt of power using their electric organs, strong enough to stun large fish!
Diet
Carnivorous; feeds on fish (e.g., halibut, mackerel, herring) and invertebrates (e.g., cephalopods)
Average Size
Up to 90 cm (35 in); newborn pups measure 18–23 cm (7–9 in)
Location / Placement info
Displayed in the Coastal Reef Exhibit, near the Ocean-View Tunnel
FAQ
How powerful is the electric ray’s shock?
Some species can generate up to 220 volts and 1 kilowatt of power.
Where are electric rays found?
They are found on sandy or rocky sea bottoms from shallow waters to 3,000 meters deep.
What do electric rays eat?
Fish like mackerel, halibut, and squid, and invertebrates like cephalopods.
Are electric rays dangerous to humans?
Not typically, but large shocks can be painful or startling if provoked.
How do electric rays reproduce?
They are ovoviviparous and give birth to live pups after nourishing them internally.
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