The electric eel is one of the most fascinating and dangerous creatures in nature, capable of giving you a powerful blast of electricity. As a freshwater fish known for its shocking abilities, this fish is a unique predator within its ecosystem. In this blog, we’re going to examine the electric eel in-depth, including its voltage, size, habitat, diet, predators, and if it can kill a human.
Table of Contents
What is an electric eel?
Contrary to its name, the electric eel is not in fact an eel but rather a kind of knifefish. Scientific name: Electrophorus electricus Fresh water, native to South America An electric eel can even emit electric shocks to daze its prey, find its way around or even protect itself from attackers.
Voltage and Shocking Capacities
Others can generate strong electric shocks; electric eels release voltages of up to 600 volts in some of their individuals. They have a high voltage of electricity that can be applied to the water to subdue, shock, or kill. The key component is that the electric eel has special tissue in its body called electrocytes that allow it to generate and store electrical energy.
- Low voltage (approximately 10 volts): Responsible for navigation and communication with other eels.
- High voltage (up to 600 volts)—for hunting and self-defense.
Can electric eels kill humans?
Electric eels can generate enough voltage to potentially stun or kill smaller prey, but a single shock from one is probably not enough to kill a healthy adult human, they said. But the electric fire they generate can be painful enough to cause extreme muscle spasms and trigger cardiac arrest if the victim is in water or receives multiple shocks. Death from an electric shock is rare but not impossible under certain circumstances, particularly if the person who is shocked has a predisposed heart condition or is otherwise vulnerable.
Size of the Electric Eel
Electric horses can reach impressive lengths. On average, they grow to be about 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m) long, although some have been recorded as measuring as long as 9 feet (2.7 m). Their long, cylindrical bodies enable them to create and project powerful electric shocks effectively.
Habitat of the Electric Eel
Electric eels are native to the slow-moving water of the Amazon and Orinoco river basins (South America), in Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. They tend to stick to muddy bottoms, hiding out and ambushing prey. These eels live exclusively in fresh water and seldom enter brackish, or salt, water.
- Preferred habitats: Dirty-flowing slow rivers streams and swamps
- How to gain them: Water temps of 22C to 28C (72F to 82F) are ideal for them.
Diet of the Electric Eel
Electric eels are carnivorous, and their diet includes a variety of prey, which can be:
- Fish: Their main diet consists of small fish such as catfish and tetras.
- Frogs and other amphibians: They sometimes prey on frogs and other amphibians.
- Invertebrates: It will also feed on small invertebrates found in its habitat.
They use their electric shocks to stun prey and shoot it for consumption.
Weight of the Electric Eel
Depending on how large they are, electric eels can weigh between 15 and 44 pounds (7 and 20 kilograms). The largest found so far measures over 9 feet in length and weighs much more.
Predators of the Electric Eel
Electric eels, however, do have their share of predators, despite their impressive defense system. Electric eels can be threatened by larger fish, raptors, and even caimans (a kind of croc). Eels can release electric shocks as powerful as gusts of wind that can be used to fend off predators, making them impractical targets for most.
- Predators: larger fish, birds of prey, caimans, and rarely humans (in instances of eels being caught for study or trade).
Can an electric eel kill a human being?
It is rare, but their surprise can lead to intense agony or even cardiac arrest in some susceptible people.
How strong is the electric shake?
Electric eels can produce shocks up to 600 volts.
