Imagine yourself swimming peacefully in the warm waters of the Amazon, when suddenly, an electric shock runs through your body. No, you haven’t touched a faulty underwater cable, but you have probably crossed paths with the electric eel, a fish capable of generating its own electricity. Fascinating, isn’t it?
The electric eel: a living generator
The electric eel, or Electrophorus electricus, is a freshwater fish native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins in South America. Despite its name, it is more closely related to catfish than true eels. It can measure up to 2.5 meters long and weigh over 20 kilograms.
How does it produce electricity?
This extraordinary fish possesses electric organs that make up about 80% of its body. These organs consist of specialized cells called electrocytes. By stacking these cells and activating them simultaneously, the eel can generate impressive electric shocks.
Shocks with multiple uses
The electric eel uses its electrical capabilities for various purposes:
- Hunting: It emits high-voltage shocks, up to 860 volts, to stun or kill its prey, mainly fish and invertebrates.
- Navigation: In the murky waters of its habitat, it emits low shocks to detect obstacles and orient itself, somewhat like a sonar.
- Communication: Low-intensity shocks are also used to communicate with its peers, particularly during mating.
A formidable weapon
The shocks from the electric eel are so powerful that they can paralyze a horse or even be lethal to a human. Fortunately, these fish are not aggressive towards humans and only use their electricity for defense or hunting.
Did you know?
- Aerial respiration: Although it lives in water, the electric eel must regularly surface to breathe air, as it has bimodal respiration.
- Reproduction: The male builds a nest with its saliva where the female lays up to 17,000 eggs. After hatching, the young measure about 10 centimeters.
An electrifying encounter
Encountering an electric eel in its natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. However, it is essential to keep your distance and respect this fascinating animal to avoid any mishaps.
Have you ever heard of the electric eel before this article? Share your thoughts and knowledge about this incredible fish in the comments below!
Céline, a passionate blogger about news and travel, I decode the trends that make the world buzz. Whether it’s exploring hidden corners of the planet or analyzing the hottest topics in the news, I share my discoveries here with a curious and authentic perspective. Join me to travel through words and ideas!
