Common name(s)
Whitespotted Torpedo Ray.
Binomial
Torpedo sp. (awaiting formal description).
Synonyms
None.
Identification
A small to medium-sized torpedo ray with a subcircular disc. Snout vert short. Anterior margin of disc straight or almost straight, with a weak central bulge. Eyes protruding; slightly larger than spiracles. Eyes and spiracles closely separated. Spiracles rounded with multiple small pointed papillae.
Pelvic fins broad, with well rounded posterior margins. Tail short and robust with a well developed lateral skin fold. Dorsal fins closely separated. First dorsal fin tall with narrowly rounded apex and rounded posterior margin. First dorsal origin over or slightly anterior to pelvic fin insertion. Second dorsal fin slightly smaller and more slanted. Caudal fin large, sub-triangular, apices rounded, posterior margin slightly convex.
Colour
Dorsum reddish brown to grey brown, densely covered in small white spots or whirls that reach disc margin. Spots smaller towards disc margin. Spots sparser or occasionally absent on dorsal and caudal fins. Ventrum creamy white.
Size
Maximum length unknown.
Conservation Status
DATA DEFICIENT
The whitespotted torpedo ray is an undescribed species that has not yet been assessed. Like other torpedo rays from West Africa, this species is probably caught as bycatch and retained in some areas such as Senegal. Other species in the region have undergone significant declines (between 50-79% over three generation lengths) and are assessed as Endangered.
Habitat
Sub-temperate to tropical seas. Benthic on soft sandy substrates and rocky reefs. From shallow bays to at least 25m.
Distribution
Eastern Atlantic. Confirmed in Senegal but probably occurs more widely in West Africa.
Reproduction
Aplacental viviparous like other torpedo rays. specifics unknown.
Diet
Probably small benthic invertebrates and fishes.
Behavior
The whitespotted torpedo ray is active nocturnally.
Reaction to divers
Easy to approach but tends to start swimming away if uncovered or harassed. Eventually bolts or tries to re-bury if approached too aggressively. May try to shock divers when threatened.
Diving logistics
This is a poorly known torpedo ray that I have only seen at night at a dive site named Meoune Reef off Dakar, Senegal. There have also been sightings in N’gor Bay also in Senegal.
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Similar species
West African Torpedo (Torpedo mackayana) Distinguished by lack of papillae on spiracles and lighter colour and smaller white spots that do not reach the disc margin.
