Eastern numbfish

10/20/2017

Source: CSIRO National Fish Collection

The eastern numbfish (Narcine nelson) is a yellowish pink electric ray found in the continental slopes off northern Queensland. Little is known about these rays besides a few biological details.

For example, they can reach lengths of up to 35 cm, with both sexes maturing around 20-25 cm. They have pink coloured fins, while the fin margins (or outline) are white. They also have a creamy underbelly. The rest… well, up to scientists to discover!

have you seen this critter?

glossary

Continental shelf: Extends from a continent underwater, resulting in a shallow-water area.
Continental slope: The steep slope from a continental shelf to the ocean floor; usually around 20 km (12.4 miles) wide and made up of mud and silt substrate. It is an ideal area for deep sea fishing.

IUCN: International Union for Conservation of Nature.

say hello!

TFUI Founder Melissa C. Marquez is author of all animal bios and "Behind the Fins" segments.

A proud #LatinainSTEM, Marquez is a marine biologist who focuses on shark habitat use and movements; she is also a science communicator (follow her on Twitter) who focuses on diverse Chondrichthyan education and who focuses on the media coverage of sharks. You can learn more about her on her website.

SEE MELISSA'S TEDx TALK HERE: