How to Identify Pacific Electric Ray

To identify Pacific Electric Ray (Tetronarce californica), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

flat

Coloration

Dorsal surface is typically dark gray to black, often with small, irregular white or yellowish spots. Ventral surface is white or cream-colored.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Large, kidney-shaped electric organs located on either side of the head, visible as bulges., Smooth, scaleless skin., Broad, rounded pectoral disc., Two dorsal fins located on the tail., A well-developed caudal fin.

Dorsal fin

Two distinct dorsal fins, roughly equal in size, located on the posterior part of the tail.

Tail fin

A well-developed, almost triangular caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Large, rounded pectoral fins forming the characteristic disc shape.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are separate from the pectoral disc and are relatively small.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for a thick, flabby, disc-shaped body with a short, stout tail. The disc is nearly circular to oval.

2. 2

   Electric Organs

   Observe the prominent, kidney-shaped bulges on either side of the head, just behind the eyes. These are the electric organs.

3. 3

   Coloration

   Note the dark gray to black dorsal surface, often with small, scattered white or yellowish spots. The underside is pale.

4. 4

   Skin

   The skin is entirely smooth and lacks dermal denticles (scales), unlike most other rays and sharks.

5. 5

   Dorsal Fins

   Two distinct dorsal fins are present on the tail, followed by a well-developed caudal fin.

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