Electric ray - Definition and Overview

If you came here looking for information about a fictional energy weapon, see raygun.

Electric rays (order Torpediniformes) are fish that have a rounded body and a pair of organs capable of producing an electric discharge, which is used to stun or kill prey. There are 69 species in two families.

There is a picture of an electric ray at this link (http://www.saudidiving.com/images/Buchanan%20Gallery/Electric%20Ray%20at%20Sheraton%20Beach%2098%20large.jpg).

Perhaps the most known members are those of the genus Torpedo, also called crampfish and numbfish, after which the military torpedoes are named. The name comes from the Latin "torpere", to be stiffened or paralyzed, referring to the effect on a man who handles or steps on a living electric ray.