Sähkösäteillä

Sähkösäteillä, meaning "electric rays" in Finnish, refers to a type of cartilaginous fish belonging to the order Torpediniformes. These rays are known for their ability to generate and discharge electricity from modified muscle organs located on either side of their head. This electric capability serves multiple purposes, including defense against predators and stunning prey. The electric organs are composed of thousands of specialized cells called electrocytes, which act like tiny batteries stacked in series. When triggered by the fish's nervous system, these cells can produce a significant electrical discharge.

The intensity of the electric shock varies among different species of electric rays. Some smaller species can deliver mild shocks, while larger ones, such as the Atlantic torpedo ray, can generate discharges powerful enough to incapacitate a human. Electric rays typically inhabit sandy or muddy bottoms in coastal waters worldwide, although some species are found in deeper ocean environments. Their diet usually consists of small fish and invertebrates. Despite their remarkable electrical abilities, electric rays are not widely consumed by humans, partly due to the presence of toxic compounds in their flesh and the difficulty in handling them safely. Their ecological role involves regulating populations of their prey.