  the electric rays are a group of rays, flattened cartilaginous fish with enlarged pectoral fins, comprising the order torpediniformes. they are known for being capable of producing an electric discharge, ranging from 8 to 220 volts, depending on species, used to stun prey and for defense.martin, r. aidan. electric rays. reefquest centre for shark research. retrieved on october 12, 2008. there are 69 species in four families. perhaps the best known members are those of the genus torpedo, also called crampfish and numbfish, after which the device called a torpedo is named. the name comes from the latin torpere, to be stiffened or paralyzed, referring to the effect on someone who handles or steps on a living electric ray. ==description== electric rays have a rounded pectoral disc with two moderately large rounded-angular (not pointed or hooked) dorsal fins (reduced in some narkids), and a stout, muscular tail with a well-developed caudal fin. the body is thick and flabby, with soft, loose skin devoid of dermal denticles and thorns. a pair of kidney-shaped electric organs are found at the base of the pectoral fins. the snout is broad, large in the narcinidae, but reduced in all other families. the mouth, nostrils, and five pairs of gill slits are located underneath the disc. electric rays are found from shallow coastal waters down to at least  deep. they are sluggish and slow-moving, propelling themselves with their tails, rather than using their disc-shaped bodies, as other rays do. they feed on invertebrates and small fish. they lie in wait for prey below the sand or other substrate, using their electricity to stun and capture it.{{cite book |editor=paxton, j.r. & eschmeyer, w.n.|author= stevens, j. & last, p.k.|year=1998|title=encyclopedia of fishes|publisher= academic press|location=san diego|page= 66|isbn= 0-12
Electric_fish Rays Torpediniformes