Common names
Banded Numbfish, Banded Electric Ray.
Binomial
Narcinops westraliensis.
Synonyms
Narcine westraliensis.
Identification
A very small electric ray with an oval or spade-shaped disc that is slightly longer than wide. Snout rounded. Anterior disc margins convex. Pectoral fin apices broadly rounded. Eyes fairly large and protruding, orbits slightly larger than spiracles. Spiracles sub-circular without papillae on posterior margins. Nostrils small and round; not divided by nasal flaps. Nasal curtain long, posterior margin with three lobes.
Pelvic fin bases long. Tail broad based and long; greater than disc length, with a pronounced lateral keel. Dorsal fins with broadly rounded apices; slightly more angular in adults. First dorsal origin anterior to pelvic fin posterior margin. Caudal fin broadly rounded.
Colour
Dorsum light brown to cream with large, roughly symmetrical, darker blotches and saddles. In adults, blotches join to form bands. Ventrum white.
Size
Maximum length 29cm. Size at birth ~7cm.
Conservation Status
LEAST CONCERN
The Banded Numbfish (Narcinops westraliensis) is an untargeted species occurring in an area with little fishing pressure. It is thought to be relatively abundant in northwestern Australia.
Habitat
Tropical seas. Benthic on soft substrates, sometimes adjacent to reefs. Listed as occurring from 10-70m (Last and Stevens 2009), but also occurs in the sub tidal zone (personal observation).
Distribution
Southeastern Indian Ocean. Off northwestern Australia from Shark Bay to Port Hedland.
Reproduction
Poorly known.
Diet
Diet unknown. Seen feeding on small shrimp (personal observation). Probably consumes a variety of benthic invertebrates.
Behavior
In Cape Range National Park, banded numbfish forage in very shallow water at night.
Reaction to divers
Easy to approach. Generally allows a close approach before moving away. Likely to bury rather than flee if harassed.
Diving logistics
Banded numbfish are easily encountered while snorkeling from shore at night within Cape Range National Park near Exmouth.
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Similar species
Ornate Numbfish – Narcinops ornatus Distinguished by pattern of large blotches separated by rows of smaller blotches. Occurs further east off northern Australia.