Brazilian Electric Ray

Narcine brasiliensis

The Brazilian Electric Ray, also known as Narcine brasiliensis, is a small to moderately sized electric ray, reaching up to 45 cm in length. It has a distinctive oval-shaped body with two dorsal fins of similar size and a triangular caudal fin. The dorsal side of the ray is typically brown with various patterns, while the ventral side is white. This species can be identified by its elongated body and the absence of a spine on its caudal fin, which differentiates it from other rays. This ray is found in the coastal waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from North Carolina in the United States to northern Argentina, including the Caribbean. It prefers warm, shallow waters, typically between 1 and 45 meters deep, often inhabiting sandy or muddy bottoms near shorelines or coral reefs. The Brazilian Electric Ray is a benthic feeder, primarily consuming small invertebrates such as polychaetes, crustaceans, and marine worms. Reproduction in this species is ovoviviparous, with females giving birth to live young. Females can produce 4 to 15 embryos per pregnancy, with larger females having higher fecundity. Males reach sexual maturity at around 25 cm, while females mature at about 30 cm. The Brazilian Electric Ray is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, and while not commercially fished, it is sometimes traded as an aquarium fish.