Delaware Fish Facts for The Recreational Angler

The Atlantic Torpedo Ray is plain dark brown (sometimes almost black) to gray on top with a white belly.

It has circular pectoral fin disks with a robust tail.

The mouth is wide with pointy teeth and the eyes are small and set far apart.

Illustration by Original line drawing by H.L. Todd, Courtesy University of Washington Libraries

Season	Open Year-Round
Size Limit	No Size Limit
Daily Limit / Person	No Limit
Delaware Range	Atlantic Ocean
Abundance in Delaware Waters	Rare
General Habitat and Food Preferences	Atlantic Torpedo Ray are solitary in nature. They live in the water column at depths of 10 to over 2000 feet. They often hide on the bottom during the day and come out to feed at night. They feed on fishes such as small sharks, dogfish, and flounder that they stun with their electric organs.
Did You Know?	Atlantic Torpedo Ray is the largest known electric ray. It is capable of generating up to 220 volts of electricity. Because of its electric properties, the Atlantic Torpedo Ray was used in medicine by the Ancient Greeks and Romans and became the namesake of the naval weapon, the torpedo.
Common Lures and Baits	Atlantic Torpedo Rays are usually caught accidentally by anglers fishing for other species. They will take live medium sized fish and large baits such as whole squid. The electric shock of this species can be quite severe and painful, though it is not fatal to healthy adults. If you catch one, be careful.
Typical Sizes Caught	Atlantic Torpedo Rays can be 6 feet long and weigh 200 pounds.
Citation Minimum Length and Weight	Atlantic Torpedo Rays are not currently eligible for a Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament or Live Release award.
Delaware State Record	Atlantic Torpedo Rays are not currently eligible for an individual Delaware record.

Delaware's Government