Natal Electric Ray [Heteronarce garmani]
Description
The Natal Electric Ray, scientifically known as Heteronarce garmani, is a species of electric ray in the family Narkidae. It is endemic to the east coast of South Africa, where it inhabits sandy or muddy bottoms at depths of 10–220 m. This benthic species is known for its capability of generating a strong electric shock, which it uses both for hunting and defense. It has a broad, thick, and heart-shaped pectoral fin disc, a tail shorter than the disc, and a large caudal fin with a rounded tip.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Cartilaginous Fish
Chondrichthyes
|
| Order |
Electric Rays
Torpediniformes
|
| Family |
Lesser Electric Rays
Narkidae
|
| Genus |
Heteronarce
Heteronarce
|