Torpedo (genus)

This article is about the fish. Not to be confused with Sting Ray (torpedo).

Torpedo
Temporal range: Early Eocene–Recent[1]
Torpedo torpedo
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Subclass: Elasmobranchii
Order: Torpediniformes
Family: Torpedinidae
Genus: Torpedo
Forsskål, 1775[2]
Type species
Torpedo torpedo

Torpedo is a genus of rays, commonly known as electric rays, torpedo rays, or torpedoes. They are slow-moving bottom-dwellers capable of generating electricity as a defense and feeding mechanism.

The naval weapon known as the torpedo was named after this genus, whose own name is derived from the Latin word torpidus meaning 'numb' or 'paralysed',[3] presumably the sensation one would feel after experiencing the ray's electric shock.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference FB was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Welter-Schultes, F.W., V. Feuerstein (2008) Nomenclatural notes on Torpedo (Chondrichthyes: Torpedinidae) and some other early established fish taxa (Actinopterygii: Molidae, Eleginopidae and Citharinidae). Species, Phylogeny and Evolution 1(3):141-145.
  3. ^ Kidd, D.A. (1973). Collins Latin Gem Dictionary. London: Collins. ISBN 0-00-458641-7.