---
title: Electric ray (Torpedinidae)
scientific_name: Torpedinidae
common_name: Electric ray
rank: Family
published: 2024-11-19T18:41:51.573Z
updated: 2026-08-03T20:55:35.828Z
tags: Electric ray, Torpedinidae, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/rays/electric-ray
---

# Electric ray (*Torpedinidae*)

## Quick facts

- **Rank:** Family
- **Scientific name:** Torpedinidae
- **Body shape:** Flattened - Pressed flat top-to-bottom, lies on the bottom - rays, flounders, crocodilefishes.
- **Species listed here:** 4

## How to recognise this group

- broad, flattened, rounded or oval body disc
- small eyes on top of disc
- smooth-looking skin
- often partially buried in sand or silt

Electric rays are flattened cartilaginous fish with a rounded to oval body disc, a short, thick tail, and two prominent, kidney-shaped electric organs visible on either side of the head. Their soft skin lacks dermal denticles and they possess small, dorsally positioned eyes. Most species reach up to 60 cm (2 feet) in disc width, but some can exceed 1 metre (3.3 feet) in total length. Colouration varies by species, typically mottled grey, brown, or black, often with scattered spots or blotches for camouflage, and they are named for their ability to generate electric discharges.

These rays inhabit sandy or silty bottoms in shallow coastal waters, extending to depths of 100 metres (330 feet) on reef slopes and open plains. Primarily nocturnal ambush predators, they bury themselves partially in the substrate during the day. At night, they use their powerful electric organs, which produce discharges ranging from 8 to 220 volts, to stun small fish and benthic invertebrates before consuming them. These electric discharges also serve as a deterrent against predators. Encounters with these cryptic bottom-dwellers are infrequent due to their effective camouflage and reclusive habits.


## Species (4)

- [Ben-Tuvia’s Sleeper Ray (Heteronarce bentuviai)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/rays/electric-ray/ben-tuvias-sleeper-ray)
- [Gulf Torpedo (Torpedo sinuspersici)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/rays/electric-ray/gulf-torpedo)
- [Leopard Torpedo Ray (Torpedo panthera)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/rays/electric-ray/leopard-torpedo-ray)
- [Marbled Electric Ray (Torpedo marmorata)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/rays/electric-ray/marbled-electric-ray)

---

*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/rays/electric-ray)*
*Updated: August 3, 2026*