Threats
Overexploitation of Biological Resources
Some electric eels are caught by local people as food. These fish rely on a clean river to survive.
Fish
Electric Eel
Scientific Name
Electrophorus electricus
Body Weight
Up to 20 kg
Body Length
Up to 2.5 m
Habitat
Wetland environments such as streams, ponds, and swamps
Diet
Amphibians, fish, and crustaceans
Fun Facts
Electric eels have three organs for producing electricity, which occupy about 80% of their body. They can emit a strike as high as 650 volts to attack prey or defend themselves. Their thick and slimy skin protects their own body from the electricity.
Electric eels are nocturnal fish that live in muddy river bottoms. Instead of vision, they rely on the transmission of weak electric signals to navigate and locate prey. It is also used for communication among electric eels and searching for mates.
Distribution
Amazon and Orinoco River basins in French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname
Threats & Conservation
Threats & Conservation
Conservation
IUCN Red List
Least Concern
