What is torpedo in biology?
What is torpedo in biology?
Torpedo is a genus of rays, commonly known as electric rays, torpedo rays, or torpedoes. They are slow-moving bottom-dwellers capable of generating electricity as a defense and feeding mechanism.
How does torpedo produce current?
The electric currents produced by some species of fishes, such as the Numbfish and torpedo rays are generated in cells called electrocytes. When an electrocyte is stimulated, a movement of ions (electrically charged atoms) across the cell membrane results in an electric discharge.
What is unique about torpedo rays?
Did You Know? Atlantic Torpedo Ray is the largest known electric ray. It is capable of generating up to 220 volts of electricity.
Why is torpedo called electric ray?
electric ray, also called torpedo, torpedo fish, numbfish, or crampfish, any of the rays of the families Torpedinidae, Narkidae, Narcinidae, and Hypnidae, named for their ability to produce electrical shocks. They are found worldwide in warm and temperate waters.
What are the functions of torpedo?
A modern torpedo is an underwater ranged weapon launched above or below the water surface, self-propelled towards a target, and with an explosive warhead designed to detonate either on contact with or in proximity to the target.
How does torpedo work?
Thermal torpedoes use a fuel, such as OTTO Fuel II, which can be burned without an external oxygen source. A gas turbine or axial piston engine converts this fuel into torque that spins counter-rotating propellers, propelling the torpedo up to speeds in excess of 60 knots.
What do torpedo rays eat?
Atlantic torpedo ray may reach 90 kg (200 lbs.) Depending on the species, electric rays may eat fishes, worms, and crustaceans. Adult Atlantic rays consume eels, flounders, and small sharks.
How many electric organs are present in torpedo?
two
Behind the spiracles, on the nape is a pair of mucous pores and on either side of the head are two large, kidney-shaped electric organs that are visible just beneath the skin.
How do electric rays reproduce?
Lesser electric rays, like all rays, have an ovoviviparous mode of reproduction. The females retain developing embryos in utero. The embryos are first nourished with yolk and then with histotroph, a protein-rich liquid secreted from the mother ray’s uterine lining.
Where do torpedo rays live?
Atlantic torpedo rays (Torpedo nobiliana), for example, live along the coastlines of Canada, the United States, United Kingdom, and South Africa. But they also have been found in the open ocean at depths of approximately 450 m (1,475 ft.).
What is torpedo system?
The canister-based missile system, which ejects the torpedo with a parachute near the target, consists of advanced technologies like two-stage solid propulsion, electro-mechanical actuators and precision inertial navigation. “The missile is launched from a ground mobile launcher and can cover a range of distances.
How is a torpedo launched?
When the tube is flooded and the pressure is equalized, the muzzle door can be opened and the torpedo is ready to fire. In actual practice the tube is flooded from tanks within the ship rather than the sea itself. The compressed air valve is opened and the torpedo is ejected from the tube.