Atlantic Torpedo

The Atlantic torpedo, Torpedo nobiliana, is one of the most unusual fish encountered by New England divers. It may look innocuous but it's capable of generating up to 220 volts of electricity and delivering them up to anyone foolish enough to touch it.

The Atlantic torpedo is also one of the most easily recognized fish in the area. Its shape is that of a circle, except for its somewhat flattened front. Its skin is smooth, unlike most skates in the area whose bodies are covered with a variety of spines and spikes. Its eyes are close-set near the front and on top of its head. They are usually a purple/blue/blackish color and grow to lengths of five to six feet.

The Atlantic torpedo is a relatively slow-moving bottom-dweller that prefers sandy or muddy bottoms. It can open the jaws of its small mouth quite wide in order to eat fish such flounder, salmon and even dogfish, not to mention a variety of crustaceans. It is believed that it stuns its prey electrically, which may account for its ability to prey on fish much faster than itself.

The Atlantic torpedo generates electricity through a pair of electric organs located on either side of its body. It's not clear if smaller Atlantic torpedoes are capable of generating the full 220 volts but probably not. They bear their young live and are more common offshore and to the south of Cape Cod.

Atlantic torpedo are relatively easy fish for divers to approach -- just make sure to keep your hands to yourself.