Time and Tide Bell ~ #200Fish

Atlantic Torpedo

I was made aware of this project as I am a member of North Tyneside Art Studio. I am so excited to be apart of the Time and Tide #200 Fish project. The project aims to raise awareness of the biodiversity of the North Sea. My interest in this project comes about as I am from a family of fisherfolk; my dad, brother, uncles, cousins and friends were all once fishermen. Being born and bred in North Shields, the river Tyne leading out into the ocean has been close to the heart of the family and is responsible for putting food in our bellies and a roof over our heads. Alas with the decline of the fishing industry the fisherfolk of Shields have gone on the work offshore or on supply ships, with the call of the sea being in their blood. I chose the Atlantic Torpedo as I can relate to its solitude and nocturnal existence, happy. in its solitude unless it senses danger.

Atlantic torpedo, Tetronarce nobiliana is a part of the electric ray family. It is found in the Atlantic Ocean, from Nova Scotia to Brazil in the west and from Scotland to West Africa and off southern Africa in the east, found at depths of up to 800m (2,600ft). Young Atlantic torpedo's generally inhabited shallower, sandy or muddy habitats, whereas adult frequent open waters. The Atlantic torpedo is the largest known electric ray, it can be up to 1.8m (6ft) long and weigh 90kg (200lb). The Atlantic torpedo is solitary and nocturnal and is capable of subduing its prey by generating up to 220volts of electricity, which it also uses to defend itself against predators. The electric shock can be quite severe and painful, though it is not fatal.

The Atlantic torpedo was used by the Ancient Greeks and Romans in medicine because of its electrogenesis properties and became the namesake of the naval weapon. It eats mainly bony fishes, and also feeds on small sharks and crustaceans. Females give birth to around 60 young following a gestation period of one year. Prior to the 19th century, its liver oil was used as lamp fuel, but it is no longer of any economic value. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed this species as Data Deficient; it is caught unintentionally by commercial and recreational fishers, but the impact of these activities on its population is unknown.

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Lincolnshire Time and Tide Bell Community Interest Company is a not-for profit organisation, registered at Companies House. Company Number 10934941