Electric Rays: Lesser Electric Ray

LESSER ELECTRIC RAY
Narcine bancroftii

 

Identification
Grayish to reddish brown, with many rounded dark blotches that are outlined with blackish circles on the dorsal disc. Disc white ventrally. Round disc with a thick tail and well developed dorsal fins and caudal fin. No spine on tail. Two electric organs, set on either side of the head, are visible ventrally as kidney shaped “honeycombs”.

Habitat and Behavior
A demersal or benthic species inhabiting coastal waters, on sand or mud bottoms. Commonly found partially buried along sandy shorelines, seagrass beds, and sometimes near coral reefs. Found from the surf zone up to 200 feet.

Feeding
Benthic feeder. Prefers marine worms, but may take juvenile snake eels, anemones, and small crustaceans.

Reproduction
Aplacental viviparity. Three to 15 pups per litter.

Size
33 inches total length

Human Factors
Non-aggressive species of little danger to humans. Can discharge a shock between 14 and 37 volts, primarily used for defense. Contact with the disc in the pectoral region can produce a mild electric shock, not enough to injure a human.