What is numbfishes?

Numbfishes, also known as electric rays, are a type of cartilaginous fish that belong to the family Torpedinidae. They are found in shallow coastal waters of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans.

Numbfishes are characterized by their ability to produce electric shocks, which are used for self-defense and prey capture. The electric organs are located in the pectoral fins, and the voltage produced can range from 8 to 220 volts depending on the species.

They have a flattened body shape, with a round disc-like head and a wide mouth. Their skin is smooth and covered with tiny, tooth-like scales called placoid scales.

There are about 60 species of numbfishes, ranging in size from 20 centimeters to over two meters in length. They feed primarily on crustaceans and fish, and are sometimes caught by commercial and recreational fishers.

Numbfishes have been used for medicinal and culinary purposes in some cultures, and their electric organs have also been studied for their potential use in bioengineering and scientific research.