Classification:

• Phylum : Chordata
• Class : Chondrichthyes
• Order : Hypotremata
• Genus : Torpedo or Astrape

Comments:

1. 1. Torpedo or Astrape is commonly called electric-ray because of the presence of a pair of electric organs over the head.
2. 2. Body is divided into a dorso-ventrally flattened anterior semicircular disc and posterior tail.
3. 3. The semicircular anterior margin of the disc is supported in the center by branched preorbital cartilages.
4. 4. Skin is smooth without scales.
5. 5. Mouth is transverse and ventral with a quadrangular naso-frontal lobe.
6. 6. Spiracles are present behind the eyes.
7. 7. Five pairs of gill-slits are ventral.
8. 8. Pelvic fins are small behind the pectorals.
9. 9. Electric organs consist of muscle fibers arranged in blocks and serve as batteries. These fishes are capable of giving a heavy electric shock.
10. 10. Tail is relatively short with two dorsal fins and a caudal fin.
11. 11. Viviparous and produces live young ones.

Source:

1. Practical Zoology Vertebrates by S.S.Lal. 2. A Manual of Practical Zoology Chordates by Dr. P.S. Verma.