Latin name

Torpedo panthera

Other name

Panther electric ray

Identification

The width of the leopard torpedo disc is less than its length, the width and elongation being about 1.60-1.80 times the total length; the dorsal fins are more or less rounded, their bases 1.25 times longer than their bases; on either side of the head, electrically paired kidney-shaped organs peer through the skin. Behind the small eyes are the spatulas. There are five pairs of gill slits on the underside of the disc. The tail is short and thick, ending in a small triangular caudal fin. The edges of the dorsal fins are covered by 7 finger-like processes. Vertebrae: 98 - 102. 

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Anal spines: 0.

The pectoral fins of these stingrays form an almost oval disc that is less wide than long. The two small dorsal fins are more or less rounded and moved towards the tail. The first dorsal fin is slightly larger than the second. Its base is above or in front of the posterior edge of the pelvic fins. The distance between the dorsal fins is equal to the distance between the posterior edge of the second dorsal fin and the base of the caudal fin. 

Fish colouring

The colour is reddish brown with numerous white spots. 

Distribution

Widespread in the western Indian Ocean, including the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman and Bay of Bengal, off the coasts of Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, India, Iran, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. 

Habitat

Tropical marine demersal fish. They are found on sandy and muddy bottoms of the continental shelf at a depth of 110 metres.

Size

The maximum registered length is 110 cm.

Behavior

The Leopard torpedo can generate electricity. 

Food and feeding habits

It feeds mainly on invertebrates and small reef fish.

Reproduction

Males reach maturity at 28 cm. Leopard torpedos reproduce by oviparity. The embryos initially feed on egg yolk and then receive additional nutrition from the mother by indirect absorption of uterine fluid enriched with mucus, fat or protein through specialised structures.

Fishing

These rays are not of interest to commercial fisheries. They may be caught as by-catch in commercial demersal fisheries. They are heavily fished throughout their range, particularly for prawns. 

Relationship with a person

May be hazardous to humans.