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<p>The electric ray, <i>Tetronarce nobiliana</i> (Bonaparte, 1835), is a poorly known species, with very limited ecological and biological data available across its range. In the Adriatic Sea, it has been documented only through a handful of sporadic reports over the past two centuries. Here, we present seven novel records (32.5 – 51&#xa0;cm in total length) collected between 210 and 416&#xa0;m depth off Vlorë, Albania between 2023 and 2025. Individuals were encountered in only six of 853 at-vessel observed hauls conducted during 152 monitored fishing trips spanning approximately 50–650&#xa0;m, and were absent from more than 5,000 additional hauls examined at port. This study provides the first biometric measurements, condition indices, and capture-related health assessments for electric rays in the Adriatic Sea and the wider northern Mediterranean Sea. All specimens were retrieved dead, indicating very high mortality in bottom trawling. Preliminary observations further suggest that Adriatic populations of <i>T. nobiliana</i> may exhibit less pronounced spatial segregation between juveniles and adults than reported elsewhere in the species’ distribution. Improving knowledge of the biology and ecology of such poorly known rays, including habitat preferences, migratory behavior, and trophic ecology, is essential for evaluating potential threats and developing effective conservation strategies.</p>

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Insights into the rare Electric Ray, Tetronarce nobiliana (Bonaparte, 1835) from the eastern Adriatic Sea: novel records and deep-sea preferences

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月24日

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  • Andrej A. Gajić,
  • Joel H. Gayford

摘要

The electric ray, Tetronarce nobiliana (Bonaparte, 1835), is a poorly known species, with very limited ecological and biological data available across its range. In the Adriatic Sea, it has been documented only through a handful of sporadic reports over the past two centuries. Here, we present seven novel records (32.5 – 51 cm in total length) collected between 210 and 416 m depth off Vlorë, Albania between 2023 and 2025. Individuals were encountered in only six of 853 at-vessel observed hauls conducted during 152 monitored fishing trips spanning approximately 50–650 m, and were absent from more than 5,000 additional hauls examined at port. This study provides the first biometric measurements, condition indices, and capture-related health assessments for electric rays in the Adriatic Sea and the wider northern Mediterranean Sea. All specimens were retrieved dead, indicating very high mortality in bottom trawling. Preliminary observations further suggest that Adriatic populations of T. nobiliana may exhibit less pronounced spatial segregation between juveniles and adults than reported elsewhere in the species’ distribution. Improving knowledge of the biology and ecology of such poorly known rays, including habitat preferences, migratory behavior, and trophic ecology, is essential for evaluating potential threats and developing effective conservation strategies.