electric eel
| Scientific name | Electrophorus electricus |
|---|---|
| Descriptor | Linnaeus |
| Year of description | 1766 |
| IUCN category | LC |
| Family | Gymnotidae |
| Genus | Electrophorus |
Introduction
Electrophorus electricus, commonly known as electric eel, is a fresh water fish.
Who is it?
Morphology
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Average size200 cm
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Maximum size250 cm
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ShapeSerpentiform
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Average size200 cm
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Maximum size250 cm
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ShapeSerpentiform
How to recognize the electric eel ?
The electric eel measures between 200 and 250 cm.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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dietcarnivorous
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Sociabilitysolitary
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territorialNo
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Way of livingdiurnal
The electric eel hunts in the stalk and is one of the predators of its biotope. Opportunistic, it does not hesitate to attack any smaller animal nearby.
The electric eel is a fish solitary naturally found on the bottom. This species is carnivorous .
Although the electric eel is non-territorial, it is sometimes aggressive towards other species.
Reproduction
Life-threatening species
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VenomousNo
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ElectrocuteYes
In the most serious cases, it can cause death.
Where to find it?
Where to see this species?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
Biotope presentation
The acidification of water comes from the decomposition of plants. This phenomenon changes the color of the water, which tends to turn brown. In some areas particularly rich in organic matter, the water is so dark that it is called "black water".
Fishkeeping
Not recommended
We do not recommend keeping this species in an aquarium. It has unpredictable needs which, if not met, generate significant stress, potentially leading to a shorter life expectancy, an interruption of its growth or the development of pathogens.
To go further
To read on the web
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
Bibliographic references
Gas exchange and control of breathing in the electric eel, Electrophorus electricushttps://doi.org/10.1007/BF00341112 - Kjell Johansen, Claude Lenfant, Knut Schmidt-Nielsen & Jorge A. Petersen - - 1968. Zeitschrift für vergleichende Physiologie volume
Where to see this species?
Species of the same biotope
Scientific partners