The electric rays, found in all temperate and tropical oceans, have electric organs on each side of the head capable of delivering up to 200 volts. The Atlantic torpedo one of the larger species, grows up to 110 lb and about 6 ft. Stingrays have saw-toothed spines located at the base of the tail. Associated with the spine or spines is a venom gland, and the apparatus can cause severe injury. The common North American genus is Dasyatis.
Most species are found in tropical seas, some are temperate and a few are cold-water species.
Of the cow-nose rays, Rhinoptera bonasus is a typical species found in temperate and subtropical waters. It averages slightly less than 3 ft across the pectorals. The manta rays are the largest and most oceanic of the rays. The Atlantic manta reaches 20 ft across the pectorals and weighs more than 3,000 lb. Mantas are harmless unless harpooned.