They are slow-moving bottom-dwellers capable of generating electricity as a defense and feeding mechanism.

While Forsskål's description indicated that he had misinterpreted Linnaeus' name and ascribed it to another electric fish (currently known as Malapterurus electricus), this potential source of confusion was rectified in 2008, when Raja torpedo Linnaeus was officially made the type species under ICZN Article 70.3.1.

The torpedo electric organ, being composed of modified muscle cells, has proven highly useful in the neurobiological study of the neuromuscular junction.

[4] Scribonius Largus, a first century physician, advised the use of a live torpedo as a headache remedy.

He stated, "Headache even if it is chronic and unbearable is taken away and remedied forever by a live torpedo placed under the spot that is in pain.