Which ray can generate an electric shock to stun prey?

A torpedo ray can generate an electric shock to stun prey. Torpedo rays belong chiefly to the genus Torpedo and are also called electric rays or torpedoes.

Their electricity comes from a pair of large, kidney-shaped organs near the base of the pectoral fins. These organs contain thousands of electroplaques—modified muscle cells arranged like biological batteries. When activated, the cells discharge in pulses through the surrounding seawater and into nearby animals.

The shock is a hunting tool as well as a defence. A torpedo ray often rests partly buried on the sea floor, then surrounds or pins a fish with its broad disc while delivering repeated discharges. The stunned prey can then be swallowed whole. Depending on the species, electric output ranges from modest shocks to more than 200 volts; the Atlantic torpedo is among the strongest.

Skates, manta rays, and ordinary stingrays do not produce the powerful prey-stunning shocks associated with torpedo rays. The name “torpedo” comes from the Latin torpidus, meaning numb or paralysed, and later inspired the name of the naval weapon.