Animal Profiles
Fish

Electric Eel

Electrophorus electricus

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The electric eel is a South American freshwater fish that generates electrical signals. Weak discharges help it sense its surroundings, while stronger ones subdue prey.

Electrophorus electricus

Steven G. Johnson · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Fresh waters of northeastern South America, including muddy rivers and flooded habitats.
Habitat
Rivers and lakes, Wetlands
Diet
Carnivore
Food
Fish and other aquatic animals.

Classification

Common name
Electric Eel
Browse group
Fish
Scientific name or taxon
Electrophorus electricus
Taxon rank
species
Order
Gymnotiformes
Family
Gymnotidae
Genus
Electrophorus
Source classification
Actinopterygii

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • It is a knifefish relative rather than a true eel.
  • It surfaces to obtain oxygen from air.
  • Weak and strong electrical discharges have different uses.

Habitat and range

Fresh waters of northeastern South America, including muddy rivers and flooded habitats.

Appearance and adaptations

It has an elongated body and an extensive anal fin. Despite its common name, it belongs to the knifefish lineage rather than true eels.

Diet and behaviour

Electrical signals help it locate objects in dark water. It surfaces to breathe air and uses powerful electrical discharges during hunting and defence.

Sources

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