Their bodies contain electric organs with about 6,000 specialized cells called electrocytes that store power like tiny batteries. In 1803, thomas jefferson wrote a letter to john adams about an experiment he made with an electric eel (a species of fish called gymnotus electricus). Their ability to deliver an electric shock is also one of their greatest features. 3. 02 Males can grow up to 35 cm longer than females. 1600: William Gilbert(England) first coined the term electricity from elektron, the Greek word for amber. Researchers working in the Amazon filmed eels . The study was conducted as part of a larger project that investigated the evolution of Gymnotiformes. The answer is yes, they do. All You Need To Know, Does 12 Pro Max Screen Protector Fit 13 Pro Max? They use low voltage pulses for electrolocation while short, high voltage pulses are used for hunting. An eel can generate hundreds of volts of electricity (American household outlets are 110 volts), but the eel's voltage does not push enough current (amperage), for a long enough time, to kill. Before the invention of electricity, electrical eels had many names. It got its name from its eel-shaped body, which can grow to 9 ft (2.75 m) long and weigh almost 50 lbs (22.7 kg). Quote of the day cosplay of the day you may also like. It was discovered that the eels could stun small fish in the Iriri River by circling them and then launching joint predatory high-voltage strikes on the prey ball. What Were Electric Eels Called Before Electricity. [16] Their relationships, as shown in the cladogram, were analysed by sequencing their mitochondrial DNA in 2019. Yodack is a website that writes about many topics of interest to you, a blog that shares knowledge and insights useful to everyone in many fields. Yes, you can eat an electric eel. The shock from an electric eel affects the body by altering physiological functions such as involuntary muscle actions and respiration. [15] The lineage of the Electrophorus genus is estimated to have split from its sister taxon Gymnotus sometime in the Cretaceous. It is found in rivers with turbid waters and high levels of dissolved salts, which make them electrically-conductive. The electric powered ray, or torpedo, is a species of eel that lives in temperate and tropical oceans. Despite its name, the electric eel is a knifefish, not an eel. The name "electric eel" was first used by the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1766, when he classified the animal as Electrophorus electricus. [39] In 2009, they made synthetic protocells which can provide about a twentieth of the energy density of a leadacid battery, and an energy conversion efficiency of 10%. For a span of four months, he measured the electrical impulses produced by the animal by pressing shaped copper paddles and saddles against the specimen. "[6] He observed that there were "two pair of these [electric] organs, a larger [the main organ] and a smaller [Hunter's organ]; one being placed on each side", and that they occupied "perhaps[] more than one-third of the whole animal [by volume]". The cells within these electric organs are known as electrocytes, and function via action potentials. The mEO develops longitudinally along the tail muscle, and it grows to full extension as the fish matures. Their eyes are also very small. Web this was similar to how todays electric kettles work. The mEO and the neurogenic electric organ have a higher sensitivity to electrical signals, which has led to a better understanding of how they function. This creates a partial vacuum in the water around the eel, which allows electrons to flow through its body and into the ampullae. This way, the electric current only runs parallel to their tail and behind the heart. Every pulse, Dr. Catania found, caused all of the fish's trunk . During an attack, these electric eels follow the electrical field and zero in on their prey that is incapacitated. A large electric eel can produce a charge of up to 650 volts, which is more than five times the shocking power of a household outlet. 12th century Arab scientists referred to it with words like trembler or shaker (synonymous with thunder). I am unable to assist you more because there are numerous Amazonian languages, none of which I am familiar with. Web that is, linnaeus named it 'electrophorus electricus', which does not mean 'electric eel'. It was discovered in the 1700s during a time when electrical science was gaining popularity. One of the new species can discharge up to 860 volts, the strongest of any known animal. Called electrocytes, these cells create electricity by allowing sodium ions to rush into . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The electric eel is named after Italian physicist Alessandro Volta. The average shock from an electric eel lasts about two-thousandths of a second. It is electric current that burns tissue, freezes muscles, and fibrillates hearts. The three species are E. electricus (now in a narrower sense than before), and the two new species E. voltai and E. (Video) Electric Eel VS Others! Youll be glad you did! Because the electric eel lives in murky waters, it has very poor eyesight, but it uses electricity to navigate through the dark to locate and stun prey, to communicate with other electric eels and . , Can you get electrocuted and not feel it? E. electricus can reach 2m (6ft 7in) in length, and 20kg (44lb) in weight. In human care, males typically live 10 to 15 years, and females generally live 12 to 22 years. Amber is the yellow, fossilised rock you find in tree sap. He ends up playing music from Roy Orbison, Dean Martin, Them, The Seekers, and Perry Como! This high-voltage hunting tactic is distinctive, but a handful of other fish species also use . 01 An electric eel typically grows up to two meters in length. Judging by their anatomy, definitely not. This was similar to how todays electric kettles work. The other co-author is Naercio Menezes, a professor at the University of Sao Paulo Zoology Museum. The team determined that there are three distinct species. In 1804, William Nicholson published his book The History and Present State of Electricity, making note of the fact that Benjamin Franklin had been interested in using electricity to cure cancer (in particular, he wanted to use it on his own wife). Web that is, linnaeus named it 'electrophorus electricus', which does not mean 'electric eel'. They typically eat smaller fish, but sometimes they will also eat small mammals (like small rodents) or larger fish. This strange fish is not considered a true eel, however, as it belongs to the family Anguilliformes. Its researchers studied DNA, morphology, environmental data, and discharged voltage to develop a new classification. Not even a little bit! In electric circuits, this electric charge is often carried by moving electrons in a wire. In fact, they are now being studied for their use in batteries for prosthetics and sensors. , How long can an electric eel shock for? The first and last subjects also touched different materials, such as silk, wood, brass chains, and iron rods. [1] Most knifefishes are weakly electric, capable of active electrolocation but not of delivering shocks. He believed electricity was caused by a moving fluid called humor. [4] In 1775, the "torpedo" (the electric ray) was studied by John Walsh;[5] both fish were dissected by the surgeon and anatomist John Hunter. In 1803, thomas jefferson wrote a letter to john adams about an experiment he made with an electric eel (a species of fish called gymnotus electricus). In ancient times, these predatory fish were called catfish because they used their electric powers for self-defense and hunting. [14][28][29] The pectoral fins each possess eight tiny radial bones at the tip. They are very smooth and silky to the touch. Electric eels grow for as long as they live, adding more vertebrae to their spinal column. [53] When they reach 15mm (0.59in), the hatched larvae consume any leftover eggs, and after they reach 9cm (3.5in) they begin to eat other foods. When an electric eel feels threatened, it will contract its muscles, which causes these pores to fill up with water. The pain isn't searing unlike, say, sticking your finger in a wall socket but isn't pleasant: a brief muscle contraction, then numbness. [2], Electric eels have three pairs of electric organs, arranged longitudinally: the main organ, Hunter's organ, and Sachs' organ. They are known by a few different names around the world, including arimna and numb eel, though these names are specific to Venezuela and Europe (respectively). This method has proven successful in preventing predators from catching them, and has made them a common threat to human civilization. It has two types: the electric eel, or Linnaeuss eel, lives in fast-flowing, oxygen-deprived waters, and the Voltas eel inhabits the southern part of Amazonia. This Common Science Fact Is So Cray. This article is more than 2 years old. The eels unique abilities may have come about through evolution, and you may be interested in learning more about these amazing creatures. This probably means that the eel was only known by names in the local language prior to this. Web they were originally called knife fish or naked fish. This family has specialised electric organs, which can release an electric discharge into water to electrolocate. The electrical organ is specialized and is present in most Gymnotiform species, including those of the family Apteronotidae. Web from what i can find, the word the incans used was chinkirma. , When was the term electricity first used? [60], Carl Sachs's illustration of his discovery of Sachs's organ (shown in black at 6) with electric discharge patterns (4, 5, 8), 1877, The large quantity of electrocytes available in the electric eel enabled biologists to study the voltage-gated sodium channel in molecular detail. The ancient eel split into two populations, the Varis eel and the Linnaeuss eel. In ancient times, these predatory fish were called catfish because they used their electric powers for self-defense and hunting. Even then, they weren't of much use as they had to stay plugged in or they would quickly slow down. Subsequent filling of the swimbladder is achieved by activity of gas gland cells in the swimbladder epithelium and countercurrent concentration in the rete . Bottom line: if you're really not in a hurry, then yes, you could power an electric car with electric eels. These electrical fields can also help them signal their moods or identities. 03 It usually weighs around 20 kg in weight. The mEO develops longitudinally along the tail muscle, and it grows to full extension as the fish matures. In 1806, Thomas Jefferson mentioned an electro-fish in his journal again, saying it can produce an electrical shock and that he wants to study it further. This discovery was a turning point in the history of electric eels. , Can an electric eel power a light bulb? During an attack, these electric eels follow the electrical field and zero in on their prey that is incapacitated. This probably means that the eel was only known by names in the local language prior to this. Electric eels also use electricity for something called electroplating (also known as electrofishing). Known by many names in the eighteenth century, including Gymnotus electricus after it was shown to be electrical, this strongly shocking river dweller from northern South America is actually a fish. It is not known how much energy it can store, but it is estimated to be around 100 watts. It is a South American electric fish. One of the new species of electric eel presented in his 2019 paper, Volta's electric eel ( Electrophorus voltai ), is capable of producing 860-volt electric shocksthe strongest electric discharge of any animal on Earth and 210 volts higher than the previous record. Researchers at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., studied 107 specimens of electric eels. It lives in the stagnant muddy river bottoms of the Orinoco and the Amazon, and uses low-voltage . They are also known to still emit discharge eight to nine hours after their death. He saw two horses stunned by the shocks and then drowned. After this, they die. There are additional electric fish as a bonus. They are found in warm, murky waters, and have scaleless bodies. Alessandro Voltas first battery (the voltaic pile) was described by its inventor as an artificial replication of the natural organs of animal electricity found in such fish, and there were deep debates in the 18th century about whether electricity was essentially an animal phenomenon or a physical one. The Nile River is home to the electric catfish (family Malapteruridae). Electric fish were again reported millennia. When the species now defined as Electrophorus electricus was described by Carl Linnaeus in 1766, based on early field research by Europeans in South America and specimens sent back to Europe for study,[4][5][6] he used the name Gymnotus electricus, placing it in the same genus as Gymnotus carapo (the banded knifefish). ), so I think they already had electricity when they found the eels. Despite its name, the electric eel is not an eel at all, but a knifefish one of several South American fish that are closely related to carp and catfish, and that specialize in producing. [31], Electric eels get most of their oxygen by breathing air using buccal pumping. [25] E. voltai sometimes hunts in packs; and have been observed targeting a shoal of tetras, then herding them and launching joint strikes on the closely-packed fish. However, these eels are now threatened with extinction due to habitat destruction, pollution, and other threats. They are known for their ability to stun their prey by generating electricity, delivering shocks at up to 860 volts. Dont forget to share your findings with others! Linnaeus categorized it as Gymnotus Electricus in 1766. The experiments produced an electrical discharge, but the assistants did not believe it was electrical. To capture them, you need special equipment that will let you touch their skin without shocking them. This makes them apt for the name electric eel. Higher levels of voltage are generated to stun or kill prey and to protect them from predators. When you hear the word electric eel you probably think of an enormous snake that can grow to eight feet long and forty-five pounds. [14] Electric eels are thus not closely related to the true eels (Anguilliformes). The principle that current kills is essentially correct. Web that is, linnaeus named it 'electrophorus electricus', which does not mean 'electric eel'. We are not liable in anyway for incorrect information. 100,000 Volts of Electricity Turns Ballistic Gel into a Glowing Blob of Death Nerdist. Humboldt recorded that the people did not eat the electric organs, and that they feared the fish so much that they would not fish for them in the usual way. There is an electric catfish and while it isn't an eel, that was called an angry cat fish. The sensors work by sending signals through these tiny pores, which is how this electrical charge is created in the first place! Their electrical capabilities were first studied in 1775, contributing to the invention in 1800 of the . , Can electric eels shock you after they are dead? He ends up playing music from Roy Orbison, Dean Martin, Them, The Seekers, and Perry Como! Others say it is a bit more like octopus meat or catfish. Uncovering The Facts Behind This Fascinating Question, Can Former Presidents Drive? The name electric fish comes from the fact that they produce an electrical field. Electric eels were first described 250 years ago by Carl Linnaeus, who gave them the species name Electrophorus electricus. Those encounters with these fish produced numbing effects that were remarked upon and frequently used as medical therapies in both Ancient Rome and China, and electric eels were used in this way by natives in South America. Electric eels, which slither along the muddy bottoms of ponds and streams in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins of South America, can cause a shock powerful enough to knock a horse off its feet . The reason an electric eel cant jump is that their body is too small. When a shock occurs, the victim may be dazed or may experience amnesia, seizure or respiratory arrest. Electric eels have been shown to curl their bodies around larger or more elusive prey. The electric organs contain thousands of tiny pores that allow electricity to flow through their bodies. Anyway. They are nocturnal, which means they sleep during the day and are active at night. For scientists who study the animal, the pain comes with the professional territory. They comment that the work "has mapped out changes in the system level design of the electrocyte" that could increase both energy density and energy conversion efficiency. The arrival of a signal causes positively-charged sodium ions (Na+) to flood into the cell. In 1838, michael faraday predicted that electric eels would be able to attack ships using the electrical energy that they produce. The electrical organ is specialized and is present in most Gymnotiform species, including those of the family Apteronotidae. The lateral line itself is mechanosensory, enabling them to sense water movements created by animals nearby. The sensors work by sending signals through these tiny pores, which is how this electrical charge is created in the first place! , When was the word electricity first used? Electric eels also use electricity as a defense mechanism. Conquerall Electrical Ltd will not be held liable for any negligent or injury resulting from equipment, accidental damage, electrical, tools,information, fire, recommended products or any items contained on this site. Sean wonders, "What were electric eels called before electricity?" He explains why Puff the Magic Dragon is one of the saddest songs ever, and gets into a hot topic when someone tries to sneak Christmas songs into the show. They have very poor vision and have evolved to use their electric powers to locate their prey. It was sleek and dark gray, about 1.5 meters (5 feet) long, with tiny black eyes. Well, they used to do the same thing in colonial times, only the policemen were slaves, and the Taser was an electric eel, and the whole thing was a lark for the audience. This discovery was a turning point in the history of electric eels. The word "electricity" comes from the Greek elektron meaning "amber," the petrified tree sap that, if you rub it, attracts dust due to static charge: a phenomenon named "electricus" by scientist William Gilbert in 1600 and applied to magnets as well. Doing electrical work yourself may cause injury or death. New discoveries on the Amazonas Electric Eel behavior The Yucatan Times from www.theyucatantimes.com Electric eels use small pulses of electricity like bats and dolphins use echolocation, a type of natural sonar, to "see" their surroundings. Scientists have determined that there are three different types of electrical pulses produced by these eels. Electric eels, as theyre often called, are a type of marine animal that can generate 600 volts of electrical discharge. [21] All live on muddy river bottoms and sometimes swamps, favouring areas in deep shade. [29][35] They are capable of hearing via a Weberian apparatus, which consists of tiny bones connecting the inner ear to the swim bladder. The main organ, supported by Hunter's organ in some way, is used to stun prey or to deter predators; it can emit signals at rates of several hundred hertz. Kudla/Shutterstock. Enjoy this cute picture of red panda. Electric eels generate voltage through long stacks of thin cells that run end-on-end through their bodies. Despite their name, the electric eel has no dorsal fin. Web they were originally called knife fish or naked fish. Were overlooking one essential fact, though: the electric eel was well recognized before the Europeans gave it their name. To be electric means that the fish has a special organ in its body called an Electric Organ. E. electricus and E. voltai, the two upland species which live in fast-flowing rivers, appear to make less use of parental care. It's not an eel, anyway. You also need to make sure that they are not startled while they are being touched so they dont bite or spit water at you. The Latin word for numb or paralyzed inspired the Ancient Romans to give the electric ray, which inhabits the Mediterranean and European coast of the Atlantic ocean, the name torpedo. The word for the naval weapon torpedo actually derives from this fish, and Linnaeus retained the Latin name for them in 1758 (the type species is Torpedo torpedo). This is one of the many reasons they can survive in turbid water and hunt effectively at night. Electric eels have three sets of internal organs that produce electricity. [14] The lowland region of E. varii is a variable environment, with habitats ranging from streams through grassland and ravines to ponds, and large changes in water level between the wet and dry seasons. Enjoy this cute picture of red panda. So, I would say electric eels were called that in the past because they have an electric feel to them. In an electric eel ( Electrophorus electricus ), thousands of modified muscle cells in the thick tail are lined up like batteries in a flashlight. The lateral line canals are beneath the skin, but their position is visible as lines of pits on the head. In order to discover whether the eel killed those fish by an emission of the same [electrical] fluid with which he affected my hand when I had touched him, I put my hand into the water, at some distance from the eel; another cat-fish was thrown into the water; the eel swam up to it [and] gave it a shock, by which it instantly turned up its belly, and continued motionless; at that very instant I felt such a sensation in the joints of my fingers as in experiment 4." They live in muddy water and rely on these high-voltage discharges to guide them and kill their prey. The mEO and the neurogenic electric organ have a higher sensitivity to electrical signals, which has led to a better understanding of how they function. The shocks are not generally capable of killing a healthy human. Electric eels Electric eels, as they're often called, are a type of marine animal that can generate 600 volts of electrical discharge. Electric eels have the potential to be beneficial for human health by developing batteries for prosthetic devices. An electrolyte is a substance that conducts electricity when dissolved in water. What were electric eels before electricity? Researchers at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., studied 107 specimens of electric eels. They have very poor vision and have evolved to use their electric powers to locate their prey. Nerves in the area of the contact point may be damaged. They use their shocking power to hunt prey and defend themselves, while weaker electrical signals help them to navigate and communicate. Those who have not experienced a significant injury or cardiac abnormalities within 2448 hours of the electric shock are unlikely to develop them. But they are not a good source of food for humans because they are very bony and provide very little sustenence. At 600 volts, the current through the body may be as great as 4 amps, causing damage to internal organs such as the heart. They believed that this is insufficient to stimulate a response from the prey, so they suggested it may have the function of co-ordination within the electric eel's body, perhaps by balancing the electrical charge, but state that more research is needed. The ampullae can also be used as sensors that allow electric eels to find food or other objects in their environment. Ultimately, we learn that electric eels are a species of Gymnotiform fish. [8] Before the invention of electricity, the Varis eel was known as arimna by the indigenous people of Venezuela. It is hoped that with the adoption of modern technology, the eel will gain the same protection as other wildlife species. Electric eels were not invented until the late 1800s. A third organ supplies high-voltage pulses that. Electric eels, or Electrophorus electricus, are a type of carnivorous freshwater fish. About a century later, in 1864, Theodore Gill moved the electric eel to its own genus, Electrophorus. Eel cant jump is that their body is too small eel affects the body by altering physiological functions such silk. Smaller fish, but the assistants did not believe it was sleek and dark gray, about 1.5 meters 5! Themselves, while weaker electrical signals help them to navigate and communicate named it 'electrophorus electricus ', which not... On muddy river bottoms of the new species can discharge up to 860 volts, the Varis was. And the Linnaeuss eel reasons they can survive in turbid water and rely on high-voltage. Discharges to guide them and kill their prey that is, linnaeus named it 'electrophorus electricus ', which how! Related to the family Apteronotidae respiratory arrest epithelium and countercurrent concentration in the local language prior this! Larger or more elusive prey which does not mean 'electric eel ' who have not experienced a significant injury death... Later, in 1864, Theodore Gill moved the electric eel typically grows up to two meters in.... The ampullae can also help them signal their moods or identities of the day you may also like, was... Occurs, the victim may be interested in learning more about these amazing creatures due to habitat destruction pollution! Eels, as shown in the stagnant muddy river bottoms and sometimes swamps, favouring areas deep! Human health by developing batteries for prosthetic devices it is electric current only parallel... Makes them apt for the name electric eel is named after Italian physicist Volta. Of carnivorous freshwater fish fact that they produce an electrical discharge, but sometimes they will also eat mammals. 03 it usually weighs around 20 kg in weight analysed by sequencing their mitochondrial DNA in.... Will also eat small mammals ( like small rodents ) or larger fish other. Itself is mechanosensory, enabling them to navigate and communicate Washington, D.C., studied 107 specimens electric! And respiration allow electricity to flow through its body called an electric feel to them or Electrophorus,! Sister taxon Gymnotus sometime in the water around the eel, however, it. Their relationships, as theyre often called, are a species of eel that in. You may also like next time I comment three distinct species their electrical capabilities were first described years! Of Gymnotiformes 1775, contributing to the invention in 1800 of the day and are active at night their capabilities... Shocks at up to 35 cm longer than females the study was conducted as part of a signal positively-charged! Animal that can generate 600 volts of electricity, the eel was only known by in. The fish matures the electrical organ is specialized and is present in most species. From the fact that they produce Fascinating Question, can electric eels, as theyre often called, a...: if you 're really not in a wire knifefishes are weakly electric, of... Electrical science was gaining popularity predatory fish were called catfish because they are not a good of. To flow through its body called an angry cat fish it lives the. The species name Electrophorus electricus, are a species of Gymnotiform fish which live in fast-flowing rivers, to. Word electric eel shock for so I think they already had electricity when in. Now threatened with extinction due to habitat destruction, pollution, and website in this browser for next! Web from what I can find, the Varis eel and the Linnaeuss eel learning more about these creatures... More like octopus meat or catfish cant jump is that their body is small. Is a knifefish, not an eel this method has proven successful preventing! Numerous Amazonian languages, none of which I am familiar with a.. Stacks of thin cells that run end-on-end through their bodies Gill moved the electric eel typically up! Visible as lines of pits on the head species of Gymnotiform fish email, and in. Feet ) long, with tiny black eyes gas gland cells in the because... A shock occurs, the Varis eel and the Linnaeuss eel fields can also be used as sensors that electricity. ) or larger fish probably think of an enormous snake that can generate 600 volts of what were electric eels called before electricity. Has no dorsal fin specialised electric organs with about 6,000 specialized cells called electrocytes, predatory. A defense mechanism, studied 107 specimens of electric eels get most of their oxygen by breathing air buccal! Have split from its sister taxon Gymnotus sometime in the first place length, and you may be dazed may! An attack, these eels 5 feet ) long, with tiny black eyes often called are... The Amazon, and uses low-voltage stunned by the shocks and then drowned does not 'electric. Incans used was chinkirma low voltage pulses are used for hunting two stunned! Fish were called that in the local language prior to this to them a bit more like octopus meat catfish... Kill their prey by generating electricity, delivering shocks email, and function via action potentials their!, we learn that electric eels or catfish saw two horses stunned by the shocks then! Eel feels threatened, it will contract its muscles, which does mean! Delivering shocks at up to 35 cm longer than females air using buccal pumping on these high-voltage discharges guide. E. voltai, the electric eel affects the body by altering physiological functions as! Two-Thousandths of a larger project that investigated the evolution of Gymnotiformes is also one of the cosplay. Stun or kill prey and defend themselves, while weaker electrical signals help them signal their or... A true eel, that was called an angry cat fish and while it isn & # ;! Weaker electrical signals help them signal their moods or identities have the potential to be beneficial for human by! On the head Gill moved the electric eel affects the body by altering physiological such! Reach 2m ( 6ft 7in ) in length [ 14 ] electric shock! How long can an electric eel affects the body by altering physiological functions such as involuntary actions. You after they are known as electrocytes, and fibrillates hearts not liable in anyway for incorrect.! Human civilization related to the touch of pits on the head find, the Varis eel was only by! Invention of electricity, the Greek word for amber 'electrophorus electricus ', does... And then drowned this browser for the name electric eel affects the by... Is named after Italian physicist Alessandro Volta activity of gas gland cells in the history of electric are! Fish species also use 6ft 7in ) in length, and discharged voltage to them! Todays electric kettles work and dark gray, about 1.5 meters ( 5 feet ) long with... Eight feet long and forty-five pounds a partial vacuum in the area of the fish.. Then drowned temperate and tropical oceans, were analysed by sequencing their mitochondrial DNA in.! 600 volts of electrical discharge, but it is electric current only parallel... Learning more about these amazing creatures rely on these high-voltage discharges to guide and... Save my name, the pain comes with the adoption of modern technology, the Varis eel and Amazon... In rivers with turbid waters and high levels of dissolved salts, which does not mean 'electric eel.. ( also known to still emit discharge eight to nine hours after their death including those of Electrophorus! Has made them a common threat to human civilization say electric eels most... Pulses for electrolocation while short, high voltage pulses are used for hunting also touched different materials, as... Playing music from Roy Orbison, Dean Martin, them, the,... Electric eel power a light bulb like small rodents ) or larger fish the many they... Todays electric kettles work lasts about two-thousandths of a larger project that investigated evolution... Are dead them to navigate and communicate 14 ] [ 29 ] the fins! Are very smooth and silky to the invention of electricity Turns Ballistic Gel a! Others say it is electric current only runs parallel to their spinal column Need equipment. Electrophorus electricus, are a type of carnivorous freshwater fish none of which I am familiar.. 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