SPECIES
Electric eel
Electrophorus electricus
This South American electric fish can create powerful signals without being a true eel.
Special electric organs contribute to prey capture, navigation and defence.
It consumes fish and other small aquatic animals.
Freshwaters of northern South America; several Electrophorus species must be distinguished.
Where does an electric eel live?
Freshwaters of northern South America; several…
Worth knowing
- Adaptation Special electric organs contribute to prey capture, navigation and defence.
- Ecological role It consumes fish and other small aquatic animals.
- Home Freshwaters of northern South America; several Electrophorus species must be distinguished.
How it survives
Special electric organs contribute to prey capture, navigation and defence.
This South American electric fish can create powerful signals without being a true eel.
Why relationships matter
It consumes fish and other small aquatic animals.
Where it lives
Freshwaters of northern South America; several Electrophorus species must be distinguished.
Pressures and responses
River habitat degradation and pollution.
Protect freshwater ecosystems and make careful species distinctions.
Sources
- University of Michigan Museum of Zoology — Animal Diversity Web, Electrophorus electricus
- GBIF — Electrophorus electricus accepted taxon
Records of where it has been seen come live from GBIF; observed interactions from GloBI. Draft — not yet reviewed by a person.