Typhlonarke facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Typhlonarke
Blind electric ray (T. aysoni)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Chondrichthyes
Order:	Torpediniformes
Family:	Narkidae
Genus:	Typhlonarke Waite, 1909
Type species
Astrape aysoni A. Hamilton, 1902

Typhlonarke is a group of special rays that live deep in the ocean. They belong to the family called Narkidae. There are two types, or species, of Typhlonarke rays. These rays are famous because they can make electric shocks. They use these shocks to protect themselves. Both types of Typhlonarke rays live only in the deep waters near New Zealand. They are sometimes called "blind electric rays."

About Typhlonarke Rays

The name Typhlonarke was first used by a scientist named Edgar R. Waite. He wrote about it in a science magazine in 1909.

Types of Typhlonarke Rays

There are two known species in this group:

• Typhlonarke aysoni (Blind electric ray)
• Typhlonarke tarakea (Oval electric ray)

Where Typhlonarke Rays Live

Both Typhlonarke species are found only near New Zealand. Scientists are still learning exactly where each type lives. This is because they can look very similar. They have been found off the east coast of North Island and South Island. They also live near Stewart Island/Rakiura and the Chatham Islands. These rays live in deep water, usually between 300 and 400 meters down. Some have been found as deep as 800 meters.

What Typhlonarke Rays Look Like

These blind electric rays are small fish with cartilage instead of bones. They have a flat, round body. This round shape comes from their pectoral fins. They also have a short, thick tail and one dorsal fin on their back.

The front part of their pelvic fins is special. It helps them move along the ocean floor. Their eyes are very small and hidden. They don't work well, which is why they are called "blind." Their top side is dark brown, and their underside is lighter. T. aysoni can grow up to 38 centimeters long. T. tarakea is a bit smaller, reaching about 35 centimeters.

How Typhlonarke Rays Live

These rays are not very good at swimming. Their soft bodies and small tails suggest this. Instead, they likely push themselves along the bottom. They use the special front parts of their pelvic fins to do this. These parts are called "crurae." Other bottom-dwelling rays also have these special fins. Scientists think these fins help them find food in the sand.

Typhlonarke rays eat worms that live in the ocean floor.

Reproduction of Typhlonarke Rays

Typhlonarke rays likely give birth to live young. This is similar to other rays in their family. A mother ray can have up to 11 babies at one time. When they are born, the baby rays are about 9 to 10 centimeters long.

Typhlonarke Rays and People

Scientists are still learning about Typhlonarke rays. The IUCN Red List says there isn't enough information about them. This means we don't know exactly how many there are. It's also hard to tell the two species apart.

These rays live on the ocean floor. This means they can be affected by bottom trawling. This is a type of fishing where large nets are dragged along the seabed. Their homes are in areas where a lot of commercial fishing happens. Right now, there are no special plans to protect these rays.