The Sachs organ is the primary source of communication among E. electricus. This organ transmits a weak signal, only about 10V in amplitude. These signals are used in communication as well as orientation, useful not only to find prey but also thought to play an important role in finding and choosing a mate.
Scientists have been able to determine through experimental information that E. electricus has a well developed sense of sound. They have a Weberian apparatus that connects the ear to the swim bladder which greatly enhances their hearing capability.
(Berra, 2001; Brown, 1957; Moller, 1995)
Communication Channels: acoustic ; electric
Perception Channels: tactile ; chemical
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern
The development of electric organs in E. electricus happens very soon after birth. There has been evidence that fish as small as 15 mm have begun electrical organ development. This initial growthof a weak electrical organ allows for orientation. Strong electric organs do not develop until the fish is approximately 40 mm. Observations have shown small juveniles surrounding the head of the parent; this is most likely before the young develop their own orientation organs.
(Brown, 1957; Moller, 1995; Berra, 2001)
Electric eels can be very dangerous to humans because of their strong electric capabilities. They are able to produce enough voltage to severely injure humans and other animals.
(Cormier, 2000)
E. electricus have very little economic value to humans. Occasionally they are eaten by locals of the Amazon area; however they are commonly avoided due to the electrical shocks that can be given out up to eight hours after death. Although there is no commercial value, the electric eel has been a constant source of study for many years. The scientific community is very interested in studying the electrical capabilities of these fish. Of electric fish, E. electricus is the best documented species.
(Moller, 1995)
Positive Impacts: research and education
To find prey E. electricus uses its weak electric organ, also known as the Sachs organ. This transmits a weak pulsating signal, thought to be used for locating and directional purposes. Once prey is found the electric eel will use a much larger electrical current to stun the fish. This is done with the two larger electric organs, the Main and Hunters organs. The shock itself does not kill the prey, but it is usually sufficiently stunned. Since eels lack maxilla teeth, it is difficult to eat a fish that is thrashing about. However, since the prey is fairly stationary eels are able to open their mouths to create a suction, which allows them to eat the prey with ease. Most adult electric eels will feed on smaller fish, while juveniles will prey mainly on smaller invertebrates.
(Berra, 2001; Riis-Johannessen, 2001)
Primary Diet: carnivore (Piscivore , Eats non-insect arthropods)
Electrophorus electricus, more commonly known as the electric eel, occupies the northeastern portions of South America. This includes the Guyanas and Orinoco Rivers as well as the middle and lower Amazon basin.
(Berra, 2001)
Biogeographic Regions: neotropical (Native )
E. electricus dwell mainly on the muddy bottoms of rivers and occasionally swamps, prefering deeply shaded areas. However, they must surface rather frequently because they are air breathers, gaining up to 80 percent of their oxygen through this method. This feature allows E. electricus to survive comfortably in water that has a very low concentration of dissolved oxygen.
(Riis-Johannessen, 2001)
Habitat Regions: tropical ; freshwater
Aquatic Biomes: rivers and streams
Wetlands: swamp
The lifespan of electric eels in the wild is unknown. In captivity males live between 10 and 15 years, while females usually survive between 12 and 22 years.
(Cormier, 2000)
Typical lifespan
Status: captivity: 10 to 22 years.
Electric eels are not really eels, they are actually ostariophysians, but have a strong physical resemblance to true eels. The body is long and snake-like, lacking caudal, dorsal and pelvic fins. Body length can be as long as 2.5 m. They also have an extremely elongated anal fin, which is used as a means of locomotion. It is cylindrical in shape with a slightly flattened head and large mouth. The vital organs to the fish are all in the anterior portion of the body and only take up about 20 percent of the fish. The posterior portion of the body contains the electrical organs. They do have gills, though it is not their primary source of oxygen intake. Electric eels are obligatory air breathers. They receive almost 80 percent of their oxygen through their highly vascularized mouth. A thick, slimy skin covers the entire body of E. electricus. The skin is used as a protective layer, often from their own electrical current that is produced. Electric eels range from gray to brownish/black in color with some yellowish coloration on the anterior ventral portion of the body.
(Riis- Johannessen, 2001; Berra, 2001; Val and de Almeida-Val, 1995)
Range mass: 20 (high) kg.
Range length: 2.5 (high) m.
Other Physical Features: bilateral symmetry
Predation of electric eels is usually prevented by their electric shocking capabilities. They can produce voltage as high as 650 volts. Although this shock is rarely deadly it is enough to deter most predators. These defensive electrical pulses are created by two organs in E. electricus, the Main and Hunters organs. It is the strength of these two organs and the electric eels pulsating electric current that classifies it as a strongly electric fish.
(Berra, 2001; Brown, 1957)
Electric eels reproduce during the dry season. The eggs are deposited in a well-hidden nest made of saliva, built by the male. In field observations, an average of 1200 embryos were hatched. Fecundity counts have been documented as high as 17,000 eggs. The electric eel is thought to be a fractional spawner.
(Moller, 1995)
Breeding season: dry season
Average number of offspring: 1200.
Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; sexual ; fertilization (External ); oviparous
Males will defend their nest and the fry vigorously.
Parental Investment: male parental care
