Elasmobranchii (sharks and rays) >
Torpediniformes (Electric rays) >
Torpedinidae (Electric rays)
Eponymy: Captain John Fairchild (1834–1898) was a New Zealander who was master on government steamers, and supply vessels to sub-Antarctic islands. [...] (Ref. 128868), visit book page.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; bathydemersal; depth range 5 - 1153 m (Ref. 26346). Deep-water
Southwest Pacific: endemic to New Zealand. Specimens recently seen at Norfolk Island may be this species. Torpedo macneilli from Australia is very similar to this species (Ref. 6871).
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ? range ? - ? cm
Max length : 100.0 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 26346)
Short description
Identification keys | Morphology | Morphometrics
Dark grey dorsally, white ventrally (Ref. 26346).
Body shape (shape guide): other.
Found on the continental shelf and upper slope (Ref. 26346). Feeds on fish, probably at night (Ref. 26346). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 50449).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Exhibit ovoviparity (aplacental viviparity), with embryos feeding initially on yolk, then receiving additional nourishment from the mother by indirect absorption of uterine fluid enriched with mucus, fat or protein through specialised structures (Ref. 50449).
Cox, G. and M. Francis, 1997. Sharks and rays of New Zealand. Canterbury Univ. Press, Univ. of Canterbury. 68 p. (Ref. 26346)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
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