Electric eel shocks and secrets

Electric eels can deliver shocks up to 860 volts.

Electric eels belong to the genus Electrophorus from South America.

Electrophorus electricus can reach 2 m long and 20 kg heavy.

Electric eels have three electric organs to generate electric shocks.

These organs are made of electrocytes, modified muscle cells.

Electric eels use electricity to stun prey and to electrolocate.

Electric eels leap from water to shock threats, even horses.

Electric eels breathe air and can survive on land for hours.

Electric eels hunt mainly fish, sometimes in coordinated groups.

Electric eels have poor vision but sense prey via electroreceptors.

Electric eels reproduce during dry season; males build nests.

Electric eels are the only members of their subfamily Electrophorinae.