Page 183 - (DK) Super Shark Encyclopedia: And Other Creatures of the Deep
P. 183
Electrical organ contains WATER WINGS
more than 500 jelly-filled
“batteries” that can Like all rays, the torpedo ray has
deliver an electric shock massive pectoral fins that are used
into the water like wings to “fly” under water.
Strong muscles flap the fins to
help propel the ray forward.
Nerves carry signals
from the brain to the
electrical organs
STATS AND FACTS
VOLTAGE 170–220 volts shock
from torpedo ray
A quick burst of electrical
charge from a torpedo
ray is enough to kill
volts 50 100 150 200 250
a small fish, and
120 volts 220 volts produce a painful
US main voltage UK main voltage
shock in humans.
SHOCK TIME
0.005 sec duration of each electrical pulse
ELECTRICAL PULSES
sec 2 4 6 8 10
4.5–7 sec duration 414
of entire shock
PER SHOCK
Tail is shorter than body
disk and provides some
propulsion forswimming
SUPERNATURAL SENSES
First of two small
Pelvic fins are much dorsal fins
smaller than pectoral fins
but can still flap to help
with swimming
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