10 Most Electrifying Facts About Electric Eels

Electric Eels might look serpentine, but they are not actually eels. They are more close to catfish than eels. They live in the murky streams and ponds of the Amazon and Orinoco basins of South America, feeding mainly on fish, but also amphibians and even birds and small mammals. As air-breathers, they must come to the surface frequently.

Electric eels can reach huge proportions, exceeding 8 feet in length and 44 pounds in weight. They have long, cylindrical bodies and flattened heads and are generally dark green or grayish on top with yellowish coloring underneath.

1) Eels Can Grow In Lengths Taller Than Humans

Source = Wisc

Electric eels can reach 8 feet in length and weigh up to 44 pounds.

2) Eels Can Be Found In Three Other Colours Than Black

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Their long and cylindrical body can be white, black, blue, purple or grey in color.

3) They Are Carnivores

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They are carnivores (meat-eaters) that eat other fish, amphibians, birds and small mammals.

4)The Cells That Produce Electricity Make 80% Of The Eels Body

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Electricity-producing organ takes 80% of their body. It is used both for defense against predators and for stunning of the prey.

5) Their Body Has 6000 Cells Which Are Responsible For The Electricity

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Electric eel has around 6000 battery like cells (known as electrocyte) that produce electricity.

6) They Can Generate Around 600-900 Volts Of Electricity

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They can generate a power of 600 volts, which is 5 time stronger than the electricity generated in the standard US wall socket.

7)The Electric Shock Produced By An Electric Eel Is Powerful Enough To Knock Down A Horse

Source = Wordpress

Electric eel can produce electric shock strong enough to knock down a horse.

8) Eels Can Light Up 12 Light Bulbs With One Jolt

Source = Indianexpress

20 foot long eel can produce enough electricity to light 12 light bulbs.

9) They Also Use Electric Pulses To Navigate To Compensate For Poor Eyesight

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Since eels have poor eyesight, they generate low-level electric charge (up to 10 volts) that helps them see their surrounding and locate a prey.

10) Male Eel Makes Nest For Eggs Using Its Saliva

Source = Simplebooklet

Male uses saliva to make a nest for eggs. Female can lay up to 17000 eggs. Both parents take care of their young.