24: NARKIDAE (NUMBFISH)
Genus Narke Kaup, 1826
Several species, 1 in our area.
24.2 Narke capensis
(Gmelin, 1789)
Onefin electric ray
Eenvin-drilvis
Raja capensis Gmelin, 1789: 1512 (Cape of Good Hope). Astrape
capensis: Muller & Henle, 1841: 130. Narke capensis: Smith, SFSA No.
89*; Wheeler, 1958: 205; Smith, 1964: 292; Wallace, 1967: 59*.
Pectoral disc wider than long, width three fifths or more of total length;
disc smooth. Margin of spiracles with 3 small tentacles.
Colour brown above, white below with brown margins.
Attains about 38 cm TL. Known only from Cape of Good
Hope to Madagascar, in shallow water down to 183 m.
Gives a very powerful shock despite its small size.
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24.2 Narke capensis: 15.5 em wide male (Natal).