electric ray electric ray electric ray species electric ray family native shallow waters eastern central pacific ecuador reaching length species rounded pectoral fin disc pelvic fins convex margins short thick tail bears dorsal fins terminates triangular caudal fin electric ray named distinctive large middle disc consisting black yellow center surrounded concentric rings dorsal coloration highly variable ranging plain patterned light dark brown background disc darker brown solitary nocturnal nature electric ray found sandy rocky habitats moves pelvic fins feeds small crustaceans worms defense generate electrical discharge electric organs species probably bears live young sustained yolk later milk gestation listed electric ray vulnerable susceptible heavy activity limited range taxonomy american described electric ray article scientific journal account based female specimen caught united_states fish commission steamer female collected depth gilbert previously obtained specimen panama destroyed fire studied jordan gilbert named new species greek eyed reference distinctive spot assigned genus created new genus species based unique subdivision nostrils species described atlantic atlantic species closely resemble morphology electric ray species extremely similar common species target ray description pectoral fin disc electric ray shaped slightly wider long pair large kidney shaped electric organs visible skin head small eyes followed smaller seven small rounded projections snout broadly rounded divided openings nostrils curtain skin smooth gently posterior margin small mouth forms transverse line edge lower jaw closed usually teeth tooth rows jaw small pointed teeth progressively longer arranged pattern pairs small gill slits present underside disc large pelvic fins originate beneath disc convex trailing margins adult males short thick broad flattened tail shorter disc bears fold skin small dorsal fins rounded angular slightly smaller second position varies pelvic fins caudal fin triangular rounded corners roughly symmetrical skin soft entirely devoid dermal denticles dorsal coloration electric ray extremely variable constant large middle center black yellow surrounded concentric alternating dark light rings continuous broken remainder upper surface commonly shade light brown numerous fine dark dots light dots larger dark spots irregular brown individuals plain light dark brown black portion disc eyes brown darker dorsal pattern extends ventral fin margins underside white cream colored species grows long distribution habitat electric ray common tropical coastal waters eastern pacific range extends far north baja california sur far south ecuador dwelling species recorded zone depth favored habitat ray sandy bays found rubble bottoms rocky terrain beds biology ecology like rest family electric ray defend producing moderate electric shock day solitary ray spends time lying partially buried sand near rocky reefs active night pelvic fins hop sea floor feeds small crustaceans shrimp worms parasites documented species include reproductive details unknown electric ray presumably viviparous developing embryos sustained yolk later produced milk electric rays females mature sexually long maturation size males unknown human interactions shock electric ray dangerous humans occasionally appears home trade difficult requires live invertebrates food electric ray electric rays model organisms research electric organs rich channels play important roles human nervous system protein human development isolated species electric ray utilized economically caught incidentally shrimp mortality fishing thought high considering operations atlantic known species large numbers catch rate probably problematic identification given restricted range species intensity habitat assessed vulnerable
Ocellated electric ray