Ocellated electric ray  (Diplobatus ommata)

Description

Readily distinguished from other species of ray, the upperside of the ocellated electric ray is marked in the centre with a distinctive bullseye. In common with many rays, the head and upper body of this species form a flattened disc, with large pectoral fins creating a skirt around the edge (2). Two broad pelvic fins are located immediately to the rear of the pectoral fins as the body tapers into a tail, which features two rounded dorsal fins on the upperside and ends in a fan-like caudal fin. The overall colouration is dark brown above with leopard-like spotting and diffuse dark crossbars, and uniform pale below (2) (3). On either side of the head, there are two internal kidney-shaped organs, visible externally as protuberances around the level of the eyes, which are responsible for generating electric shocks (4).

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