Animal
Electric eel
Electrophorus electricus. A South American fish that uses electrical discharges.
Content language
In murky water, vision is not always enough. The electric eel uses weak electric pulses for orientation and communication, while stronger discharges help it hunt and defend itself. Specialised electric organs generate the current. Its name can be misleading: this South American fish belongs to the knifefish order, not to the true eels.
It inhabits tropical fresh water, including shallow, muddy pools. As water levels fall in the dry season, dissolved oxygen can become scarce. The fish regularly surfaces for air, and its richly supplied mouth lining helps absorb oxygen. Having gills therefore does not mean that it can remain without access to the surface.
Its elongated body and flattened head give it a snake-like outline. A long anal fin allows it to move forwards, swim backwards and hold position in the water. While searching for prey, it also uses its lateral line, which detects changes in the movement and pressure of surrounding water.
For children
Seeing things in murky water is difficult. An electric eel manages by sending out weak electric pulses. These help it find its way and communicate with other fish. Stronger discharges are used for catching food and defence. Despite its name, it does not belong to the same group as true eels.
This fish inhabits tropical fresh water in South America. Oxygen can be scarce in shallow, muddy pools, so it regularly swims to the surface to take a breath of air. The inside of its mouth contains many blood vessels that help it absorb oxygen.
A long fin along the underside lets it swim forwards, backwards or remain in place. It also has a lateral line, a sense organ detecting changes in water movement. Electricity is one of several ways this fish explores its surroundings.
Question 1 of 2
What does an electric eel use weak pulses for?
- Location
- Amazonia, ground floor, tank 703 · Gdynia Aquarium