Electric Eels – Shocking Details
Though called eels, their genetics better match carp and catfish.
By: Kirsten Brooker | April 17, 2025 | 640 Words
(Photo by: Florilegius/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Electric eels are odd creatures that live primarily in the fresh waters of South America. Though they are often classified as eels, the genetics of electric eels are more closely related to that of carps or catfish. They are nocturnal animals with terrible vision. When threatened, they use their bodies to create a shock that scares away potential predators. This is also useful when they hunt for food. The number of electric eels in existence is not determined. While some things are known about the slimy knifefish, scientists have much more to learn.
Ancestry and Evolution
The earliest documented proof of electric eels was written by Fernão Cardim in 1583. The snake-like creature was studied periodically over the years by different scientists and researchers. It is believed they evolved in South America more than 7 million years ago. There are three main types: the electric eel, Vari’s electric eel, and Volta’s electric eel. Each is slightly different, though their overall appearance and reproduction habits are similar.
Appearance
Eels continuously grow as they live. They can reach as long as eight feet and can weigh as much as 45 pounds. As they develop, they add vertebrae to support the longer body. They are brown, yellow, orange, or gray, but their bellies are typically yellow or orange. Their skin is smooth and slimy and contains no fish-like scales. On their bellies are the Hunter’s organ and the Sach’s organ; a third organ that aids in the production of electricity grows first. These body parts allow them to create enough electricity to attack both prey and predators. They can generate up to 800 volts of electricity.
Diet and Habitat
Electric eels are carnivorous animals. They love to eat fish, crustaceans, insects, and sometimes small vertebrates. Newly hatched electric eels will consume the eggs around them that haven’t hatched.
Electric eels live in South America and are more abundant in the Amazon and Orinoco rivers. They live in fresh water, the murkier the better. The water does not need to be oxygen-rich because they come to the surface to breathe.
Reproduction and Lifespan
Due to the location of their habitats and their late-night lifestyle, little is known about the reproduction habits of electric eels. However, scientists have learned that the male creates a nest using saliva, where the female then lays her eggs (around 1,200). About seven days later, the eggs hatch. The female produces eggs consistently throughout the breeding season from September to December. The babies stay with the mother for approximately four months following birth. They can produce electric charges by the time they are almost three inches long.
It is unknown how long electric eels live in the wild. Those kept in captivity live between 12 and 20 years. They are not believed to be endangered. That could be because predators know better than to get too close.
Predators
Although little is known about electric eels overall, the animal has no known predators. Any contenders learn quickly what an electric eel is capable of and tend to steer clear. On occasion, land animals have successfully made them their prey, though they likely experienced a painful and numbing shock.
Eels of all kinds are considered a food delicacy in some regions. Catching an eel can be quite difficult and sometimes painful. It takes some work, but for some it is worth it.
Interesting Facts About Electric Eels
- The electricity they produce can sometimes be deadly.
- They use electricity to communicate with one another.
- They can jump out of the water to attack land animals.
- When they are preparing to shock, they curl around their prey.
- Electric eels are related to carp or catfish.
- Eels can grow as long as eight feet and can weigh as much as 45 pounds.
- They can generate up to 800 volts of electricity.
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