Aden Gulf torpedo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aden Gulf torpedo |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Torpedo
|
| Species: |
adenensis
|
The Aden Gulf torpedo (Torpedo adenensis) is a special kind of electric ray. It's a fish that can create electricity! This ray lives only in the eastern Gulf of Aden, near the coast of Yemen.
It can grow up to 41 centimeters (about 16 inches) long. This ray has a round, flat body and a short, thick tail. It has two fins on its back and a strong tail fin. The Aden Gulf torpedo is reddish-brown and doesn't have any other spots or markings.
Sadly, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) says this ray is an endangered species. This is because it lives in a very small area. Also, a lot of shrimp fishing with large nets happens where it lives.
Contents
Discovering the Aden Gulf Torpedo
Scientists first found the Aden Gulf torpedo in 1989. A research ship from the former Soviet Union, called the Stefanov, collected the first samples.
Later, in 2002, three scientists named Marcelo R. de Carvalho, M.F.W. Stehmann, and L.G. Manilo officially described it as a new species. They published their findings in a science journal.
What's in a Name?
The ray's scientific name, adenensis, comes from the Gulf of Aden. This is the only place where this ray has been found.
Scientists believe the Aden Gulf torpedo is closely related to another ray called the leopard torpedo. They share a special feature on their claspers, which are parts of the male ray.
Where It Lives
The Aden Gulf torpedo is likely found only in the eastern part of the Gulf of Aden. It has been caught in three spots near the coast of Yemen.
These rays live in the ocean at depths between 26 and 140 meters (about 85 to 460 feet).
What It Looks Like
The Aden Gulf torpedo has a thick, almost round body that is wider than it is long. The front edge of its body is quite straight.
Its eyes are small, and right behind them are two large, round holes called spiracles. Each spiracle has a small raised edge with tiny bumps.
The ray's nose holes have skin folds around them. There's also a short, wide flap of skin between them that reaches its mouth.
Teeth and Gills
This ray has many rows of teeth, like a checkerboard pattern. It has 33 to 47 rows in its upper jaw and 32 to 39 rows in its lower jaw. Each tooth is sharp and pointed.
It also has five curved gill slits, which help it breathe underwater.
Tail and Fins
The tail of the Aden Gulf torpedo is short and strong. It has small skin folds along its sides.
Its pelvic fins are long and narrow. In male rays, these fins have thin claspers with a fleshy flap at the tip.
The first fin on its back (dorsal fin) is located above the back half of its pelvic fins. The second dorsal fin is smaller and more angled. The tail fin is wide and shaped like a triangle.
Skin and Color
The skin of this ray is completely smooth. It doesn't have any rough scales or bumps.
The top of the Aden Gulf torpedo is a plain reddish to orange-brown color. The edges of its dorsal and tail fins are very light. Its underside is light cream.
Sometimes, the underside has darker reddish areas along the edges of its body and pelvic fins. There can also be darker spots under its tail.
Life and Habits
Scientists don't know much about the daily life of the Aden Gulf torpedo.
Like other electric rays, it has special electric organs. These organs help the ray defend itself from predators. They might also use electricity to stun their prey before eating it.
It is thought that these rays give birth to live young, like many other electric rays. Both male and female rays can have babies when they are between 28 and 40 centimeters (about 11 to 16 inches) long.
Why It Needs Our Help
Electric rays, including the Aden Gulf torpedo, are often caught by accident in fishing nets. This happens because they are slow and live on the bottom of the ocean.
There are many large fishing boats that use nets to catch shrimp in the area where this ray lives. This type of fishing is a big problem for the Aden Gulf torpedo because it lives in such a small area.
Because of these dangers, the IUCN has listed the Aden Gulf torpedo as an endangered species. This means it is at high risk of disappearing forever if we don't protect it.
