Blind electric ray

Taxobox | name = Blind electric ray
status = DD | status_system = IUCN3.1
trend = unknown
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Chondrichthyes
subclassis = Elasmobranchii
ordo = Torpediniformes
familia = Narcinidae
genus = "Typhlonarke"
species = "T. aysoni"
binomial = "Typhlonarke aysoni"
binomial_authority = Hamilton, 1902

The blind electric ray, blind legged torpedo, or numbfish, "Typhlonarke aysoni", is a numbfish of the genus "Typhlonarke", found around New Zealand from Cook Strait southwards on the continental shelf, at depths of between 100 and 900 m. Its length is between 15 to 30 cm.

The blind electric ray is a very small poorly-known electric ray with the typical round body shape, small fleshy tail, one dorsal fin, and almost useless eyes. A large part of the front of the body is taken up with modified muscle organs that store up electrical charge and delivery it to stun prey when needed. This mechanism can also be used for navigation and prey detection in dark or murky water.

The blind electric ray is dark brown in colour, and is potentially vulnerable to fisheries activity since its known distribution coincides with major trawl fishery grounds. However, recent marine sanctuaries around New Zealand provide some safe havens. Its distribution and status is uncertain due to confusion with the similar oval electric ray, "Typhlonarke tarakea". There is therefore inadequate information to make a direct, or indirect, assessment of its risk of extinction based on its distribution and/or population status.

References

* Database entry includes justification for why this species is listed as data deficient
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* Tony Ayling & Geoffrey Cox, "Collins Guide to the Sea Fishes of New Zealand", (William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand 1982) ISBN 0-00-216987-8