136 



DANGEROUS MARINE ANIMALS 



ELECTRIC 

 ORGAN 



Fig. 87. 



Fig. 88. 



Fig. 87. Lesser Electric Ray, Narcine brasiliensis (Olfers). A common elec- 

 tric ray which ranges from Florida and Texas south to Brazil. (After Bigelow 

 and Schroeder) 



Fig. 88. Showing the lower surface of the electric ray, Narcine brasiliensis. 

 The skin is removed to reveal the electric organ. (After Bigelow and Schroeder) 



tile stimulation. A ray can deliver a successive series of discharges, 

 but he becomes progressively weaker, until finally exhausted. After 

 a period of time, the fish recuperates and again is able to produce 

 electrical discharges. The voltage delivered varies with the indi- 

 vidual species, but it is said to range from 8 to 220 volts. Completion 

 of the circuit by contacting the ray at two points is not necessary 

 if the ray is in the water. Contact with a large ray may result in 

 a shock sufficient to knock over and temporarily disable a man. 

 Recovery is usually uneventful. 



