First record of valid species of torpedo electric ray, Torpedo polleni (Bleeker, 1865) (Torpediniformes: Torpedinidae) from Indian waters

Abstract

A species of torpedo electric ray, <em>Torpedo polleni </em>(Bleeker, 1865) has been reported for the first time from Indian waters. Six specimens of <em>T. polleni </em>measuring 147-397 mm TL were collected from shrimp trawl by-catches at Visakhapatnam, central eastern coast of India. The present paper provides description and comparison of morphometric data of <em>T. polleni </em>with closely resembling species of genus <em>Torpedo </em>thus helping in clearing taxonomic ambiguities. The present study suggests that <em>T. polleni </em>(Bleeker, 1865) with 6‑8 knob-like papillae on the posterior margin of spiracle, the central papilla being larger, distance between eye and spiracle less than eye diameter, nasal curtain short and wide, its length more than half the length of inter narial width, first dorsal fin originating entirely above the pelvic fin base and base ending little beyond the pelvic fin, dorsal surface showing ornate appearance with close set of brownish-black spots, few spots very closely set or joined together forming vermiculations and dark brown lines is a valid species.