The Gulf torpedo is an electric ray with a flattened disc-shaped body well suited to its ocean bottom habitat. It is beautifully decorated with cream or golden circles and irregular marks against a dark red or blackish-brown background (3) (4). The pectoral fins are greatly expanded and fused with the head and trunk, forming the large oval disc, and its shark-like tail is short and stout (4). Two large kidney-shaped electric organs are situated on either side of the head (2), and are visible through the skin as a pattern of hexagonal markings (4). These fascinating organs can deliver dangerous electric shocks to stun the fishes on which it feeds (2). The gulf torpedo has tiny eyes, smaller than the spiracles which are also situated on top of the head. These small, paired openings allow the torpedo to take in water to breathe when resting on the ocean floor (5).