(EdMark Corporation)(Version 1.0a)(1998).iso/Worldbook/graphics/1px.gif){kind=spacer}
(EdMark Corporation)(Version 1.0a)(1998).iso/Worldbook/graphics/logo.gif){kind=logo}
Electric Eel
Electric eel is a long, narrow fish that can produce a strong electric discharge. About 500 species of fish can generate an electric discharge. Of these, the electric eel is the best known and produces the largest amount of electricity. It uses its electric discharge to detect underwater objects, to signal other electric eels, and to stun prey. The electric eel looks like other eels, but it is not a true eel. It is related to catfish and carp.
(EdMark Corporation)(Version 1.0a)(1998).iso/Worldbook/graphics/LR000421.gif)
|
The electric eel can produce an electric discharge.
From The World Book™ Multimedia Encyclopedia ©1998 World Book, Inc., 525 W. Monroe, Chicago, IL 60661. All rights reserved. World Book illustration by Colin Newman, Linden Artists Ltd. |
Electric eels live in muddy rivers in northern South America, including the Amazon and the Orinoco. These fish grow to 8 feet (2.4 meters) long and are olive-brown in color. Their long, pointed tail makes up about four-fifths of their total body length. Electric eels have two small fins behind the gills and one long fin on the underside of the body that runs from the tip of the tail almost to the throat.
The electric eel's electricity is generated by three pairs of electric organs on each side of the body. The largest pair of electric organs runs almost the length of the fish. Under these lie two smaller pairs of electric organs. Each electric organ is made up of thousands of modified muscle cells called electroplaques. Electroplaques cannot contract like regular muscle cells can. Each electroplaque gives off a small charge of electricity when a nerve stimulates it. The charges of all the electroplaques combine to produce 350 to 650 volts, enough to stun a human being or to kill a small fish. The electric eel usually delivers three to five bursts of electricity each time it discharges. Each burst lasts about 1/500 of a second.
The electric eel eats frogs and smaller fish. Scientists know little about the reproductive habits of the electric eel.
Scientific Classification. The electric eel belongs to the family Electrophoridae. It is Electrophorus electricus.
Contributor: John J. Poluhowich, Ph.D., Associate Prof. of Biology, West Texas A&M Univ.
See also Electric Fish.
Master Index
World Book and the globe device are trademarks of World Book, Inc.