{"id":3556,"date":"2022-07-13T16:37:55","date_gmt":"2022-07-13T16:37:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ciesm.org\/marine\/programs\/seabirds\/?page_id=3556"},"modified":"2022-10-12T08:29:21","modified_gmt":"2022-10-12T08:29:21","slug":"torpedo-torpedo","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ciesm.org\/marine\/programs\/skatesandrays\/torpedo-torpedo\/","title":{"rendered":"Torpedo torpedo"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div style=\"height:31px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-container-1 wp-block-group alignfull has-tertiary-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-layout-grid alignfull column1-desktop-grid__span-8 column1-desktop-grid__start-3 column1-desktop-grid__row-1 column1-tablet-grid__span-8 column1-tablet-grid__row-1 column1-mobile-grid__span-4 column1-mobile-grid__row-1\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-layout-grid-column wp-block-jetpack-layout-grid__padding-none is-vertically-aligned-center\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-huge-font-size\"><em>Torpedo torpedo<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Common name:<\/strong> Ocellate Torpedo, Common Torpedo Ray<br><strong>Order:<\/strong> Torpediniformes<br><strong>Family:<\/strong> Torpedinidae&nbsp;<br><strong>Synonyms: <\/strong><em>Raja torpedo<\/em>, <em>Torpedo ocellata<\/em><br><strong>Misidentifications: <\/strong>None.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center\"><div id=\"metaslider-id-3564\" style=\"width: 100%;\" class=\"ml-slider-3-27-6 metaslider metaslider-flex metaslider-3564 ml-slider\">\n    <div id=\"metaslider_container_3564\">\n        <div id=\"metaslider_3564\">\n            <ul aria-live=\"polite\" class=\"slides\">\n                <li style=\"display: block; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-3571 ms-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/ciesm.org\/marine\/programs\/skatesandrays\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/ttorpedo1-julienrenoult-700x500.jpg\" height=\"500\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-3564 slide-3571\" title=\"ttorpedo1-julienrenoult\" \/><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\">photo credit: Julien Renoult<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-3570 ms-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/ciesm.org\/marine\/programs\/skatesandrays\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/ttorpedo_gillescavignaux-650x464.jpg\" height=\"500\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-3564 slide-3570\" title=\"ttorpedo_gillescavignaux\" \/><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\">photo credit: Gilles Cavignaux<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-3572 ms-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/ciesm.org\/marine\/programs\/skatesandrays\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/ttorpedo3_paolacasala-e1657730626186-636x454.jpg\" height=\"500\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-3564 slide-3572\" title=\"ttorpedo3_paolacasala\" \/><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\">photo credit: Paola Casala<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        \n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:41px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-layout-grid alignfull column1-desktop-grid__span-4 column1-desktop-grid__start-3 column1-desktop-grid__row-1 column2-desktop-grid__span-4 column2-desktop-grid__start-7 column2-desktop-grid__row-1 column1-tablet-grid__span-4 column1-tablet-grid__row-1 column2-tablet-grid__span-4 column2-tablet-grid__start-5 column2-tablet-grid__row-1 column1-mobile-grid__span-4 column1-mobile-grid__row-1 column2-mobile-grid__span-4 column2-mobile-grid__row-2\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-layout-grid-column wp-block-jetpack-layout-grid__padding-none\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-primary-background-color has-background has-large-font-size\"><strong>Short description<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Medium sized torpedo ray. Disc nearly circular. Short and thick tail with two similar dorsal fins and a large caudal fin. Spiracles with 8-10 papillae.<br><br><strong>Color: <\/strong>Dorsal surface yellowish to reddish-brownish with commonly five ocella and several light spots. Ocella are blue spots surrounded by a black ring, itself surrounded by a light orange ring. White to cream ventral surface.<br><br><strong>Measurements:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Disk width<\/strong> (DW): 7-30 cm.<\/li><li><strong>Total length <\/strong>(TL)<strong>:<\/strong> 20-40 cm (max 60 cm).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Swimming pattern: <\/strong>Axial-undulatory locomotion<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video controls src=\"https:\/\/ciesm.org\/marine\/programs\/seabirds\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/ttorpedo_theMECOproject.mp4\"><\/video><figcaption>video credit: MECO project<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-primary-background-color has-background has-large-font-size\"><strong>Biology \/ Ecology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"block-caf50a6c-6585-4a9d-972f-8036f1810e92\">Nocturnal ambush predator that feeds mainly on small fishes and benthic invertebrates. Capable of inflicting a severe shock of up to 200 volts for attack and defence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"block-caf50a6c-6585-4a9d-972f-8036f1810e92\"><strong>Behaviour:<\/strong> Solitary.<br><br><strong>Reproduction: <\/strong>Viviparous (aplacental viviparity with histotrophy). Gestation period: ~6 months. Size at birth (TL): ~9 cm. Juveniles per litter: 3-21.<br><br><strong>Habitat: <\/strong>Benthic, soft bottoms (e.g. sandy flats, seagrass beds), occurring exclusively within the shelf (&gt; 200 m) at depth occasionally deeper (up to 400 m). Possibly occurs down to 800 m deep. Also found in brackish areas such as Tunisian lagoons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-layout-grid column1-desktop-grid__span-11 column1-desktop-grid__row-1 column1-tablet-grid__span-8 column1-tablet-grid__row-1 column1-mobile-grid__span-4 column1-mobile-grid__row-1\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-layout-grid-column wp-block-jetpack-layout-grid__padding-none\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-foreground-color has-tertiary-background-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"font-size:18px\">This species has been in decline for the last two decades.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-layout-grid-column wp-block-jetpack-layout-grid__padding-none\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-primary-background-color has-background has-large-font-size\"><strong>Distinguishing characteristics<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Very characteristic dorsal side pattern: five or more blue spots edged with black and yellow on its back.<\/li><li>Small knobs on the rims of its spiracles.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Torpedinidae:<\/strong> Greatly enlarged pectoral fin. Large oval-shape disc. Electric organ on each side of the head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-primary-background-color has-background has-large-font-size\"><strong>Distribution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"block-7c753903-038c-44d5-aff6-969ae6648293\"><strong>Worldwide:<\/strong> Eastern Atlantic, from bay of Biscay to Angola. Absent from the Black Sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"block-9d84759b-671d-4c76-b4e6-4c202ee3961d\"><strong>Mediterranean:<\/strong> Whole Mediterranean, with higher densities in the western area. Less common in the eastern Mediterranean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul id=\"block-85510140-983f-4b71-8907-35c448e88d4e\"><li><strong>Occurence:<\/strong> Occasional\/rare<\/li><li><strong>Latest records:<\/strong> Sardinia (2019), Sicily (2019), Valencian coast &#8211; Spain (2017), Corsica (2012), Tunisia (2009), central Aegean Sea (2013), Catalan Sea (2013), Cyprus (2013), Gulf of Lion &#8211; France (2013), Iskenderun bay &#8211; Turkey (2010), Tuscan coast &#8211; Italy (2004), Adriatic Sea (2003), Algeria (2003), Egypt (1994).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"https:\/\/ciesm.org\/marine\/programs\/skatesandrays\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Torpedo_torpedo_4.png\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-layout-grid column1-desktop-grid__span-10 column1-desktop-grid__start-2 column1-desktop-grid__row-1 column1-tablet-grid__span-8 column1-tablet-grid__row-1 column1-mobile-grid__span-4 column1-mobile-grid__row-1\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-layout-grid-column wp-block-jetpack-layout-grid__padding-none\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-foreground-color has-secondary-background-color has-text-color has-background\">Any recent observation not on the map?<br><a href=\"mailto: lmendez@ciesm.org\">Contact us<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-primary-background-color has-background has-large-font-size\"><strong>Conservation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"block-ca6ef4b1-4ee6-45e6-85da-9ca8e126a46f\"><strong>Threats:<\/strong> Taken as bycatch in bottom trawl, longline, set net, and trammel net fisheries. Edible but mostly discarded.<br><br><strong>Protection level:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Mediterranean:<\/strong> Least Concern (IUCN 2016, last assessment: 2016)<\/li><li><strong>Global: <\/strong>Vulnerable (IUCN 2021, last assessment: 2020)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"block-7c753903-038c-44d5-aff6-969ae6648293\"><br><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:43px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-container-2 wp-block-group alignfull has-tertiary-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-layout-grid alignfull column1-desktop-grid__span-10 column1-desktop-grid__start-2 column1-desktop-grid__row-1 column1-tablet-grid__span-8 column1-tablet-grid__row-1 column1-mobile-grid__span-4 column1-mobile-grid__row-1\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-layout-grid-column wp-block-jetpack-layout-grid__padding-none\">\n<p><strong>Key references<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"font-size:14px\"><li>Abdel-Aziz S.H. 1994. Observations on the biology of the common torpedo (<em>Torpedo torpedo<\/em>, Linnaeus, 1758) and marbled electric ray (<em>Torpedo marmorata<\/em>, Risso, 1810) from Egyptian Mediterranean waters. <em>Marine and Freshwater Research<\/em> <em>45<\/em>(4): 693-704.<\/li><li>Bellodi A., Mulas A., Carbonara P., Cau A., Cuccu D., Marongiu M. F., Mura V., Pesci P., Zupa W., Porcu C., Follesa, M.C. 2021. New insights into life\u2013history traits of Mediterranean Electric rays (Torpediniformes: Torpedinidae) as a contribution to their conservation. <em>Zoology<\/em> <em>146<\/em>: 125922.<\/li><li>Carpentieri P., Nastasi A., Sessa M., Srour A. 2021. Incidental catch of vulnerable species in Mediterranean and Black Sea fisheries \u2013 A review. <em>General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean<\/em> &#8211;&nbsp;<em>Studies and Reviews<\/em>&nbsp;101: I-317.<\/li><li>Damalas D., Vassilopoulou V. 2011. Chondrichthyan by-catch and discards in the demersal trawl fishery of the central Aegean Sea (Eastern Mediterranean). <em>Fisheries Research<\/em> 108(1): 142-152.<\/li><li>El Kamel-Moutalib O., Mnasri N., Boumaiza M., Reynaud C., Capape C. 2013. Diet of common torpedo <em>Torpedo torpedo<\/em> (Chondrichthyes: Torpedinidae) from the Lagoon of Bizerte (northeastern Tunisia, central Mediterranean). <em>Cah Biol Mar<\/em> <em>54<\/em>: 209-220.<\/li><li>Follesa M. C., Marongiu M. F., Zupa W., Bellodi A., Cau A., Cannas R., Colloca F., Djurovic M., Isajlovic I., Jadaud A., Manfredi C., Mulas A., Peristeraki P., Porcu C., Ramirez-Amaro S., Salmer\u00f3n Jim\u00e9nez F., Serena F., Sion L., Thasitis I., Cau A., Carbonara P. 2019. Spatial variability of Chondrichthyes in the northern Mediterranean.&nbsp;<em>Scientia Marina&nbsp;<\/em>83(S1): 81-100.<\/li><li>Ordines F., Massut\u00ed E., Moranta J., Quetglas A., Guijarro B., Fliti K. 2011. Balearic Islands vs Algeria: two nearby western Mediterranean elasmobranch assemblages with different oceanographic scenarios and fishing histories.&nbsp;<em>Scientia Marina<\/em>&nbsp;75(4): 707-717.<\/li><li>Tiralongo F., Messina G., Brundo M. V., Lombardo B. M. 2019. Biological aspects of the common torpedo, <em>Torpedo torpedo<\/em> (Linnaeus, 1758)(Elasmobranchii: Torpedinidae), in the central Mediterranean Sea (Sicily, Ionian Sea). <em>The European Zoological Journal<\/em> 86(1): 488-496.<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Torpedo torpedo Common name: Ocellate Torpedo, Common Torpedo RayOrder: TorpediniformesFamily: Torpedinidae&nbsp;Synonyms: Raja torpedo, Torpedo ocellataMisidentifications: None. Short description Medium sized torpedo ray. Disc nearly circular. Short and thick tail with two similar dorsal fins and a large caudal fin. Spiracles with 8-10 papillae. Color: Dorsal surface yellowish to reddish-brownish with commonly five ocella and several<a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/ciesm.org\/marine\/programs\/skatesandrays\/torpedo-torpedo\/\">Lire la suite <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">\u00ab\u00a0Torpedo torpedo\u00a0\u00bb<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ciesm.org\/marine\/programs\/skatesandrays\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3556"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ciesm.org\/marine\/programs\/skatesandrays\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ciesm.org\/marine\/programs\/skatesandrays\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ciesm.org\/marine\/programs\/skatesandrays\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ciesm.org\/marine\/programs\/skatesandrays\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3556"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/ciesm.org\/marine\/programs\/skatesandrays\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3556\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6679,"href":"https:\/\/ciesm.org\/marine\/programs\/skatesandrays\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3556\/revisions\/6679"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ciesm.org\/marine\/programs\/skatesandrays\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3556"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}