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SPECIES PROFILE
Electric Catfish (Malapterurus electricus)
Malapterurus
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Actinopterygii
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Nile basin, West and Central Africa
DIET
Carnivorous
HABITAT
Freshwater rivers, lakes, swamps
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Actinopterygii
ORDER
Siluriformes
FAMILY
Malapteruridae
GENUS
Malapterurus
📋 Description
SIZE
20-120 cm, 1-20 kg
COLORATION
Grey-brown; no scales
ADAPTATIONS
Electric organs (up to 350 volts)
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Freshwater rivers, lakes, swamps
DIET
Carnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Nile basin, West and Central Africa
REPRODUCTION
Eggs in nests; limited parental care
DIET DETAILS
Fish, invertebrates (stunned by shock)
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat degradation, overfishing
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Living Batteries: Electric catfish generate shocks up to 350 volts from specialized organs, stunning prey or deterring predators in murky waters where sight fails. Ancient Egyptians knew of this power, depicting them in art as electrifying river guardians.
2
Nighttime Zappers: They hunt at night, pulsing electricity to locate and paralyze fish, a silent strike that turns rivers into their personal stun fields. This ability lets them dominate in low-oxygen, sediment-filled habitats.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Nile River, Egypt
Congo River, DR Congo
Lake Chad, Chad
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Use local fishing guides for deep-water angling to catch electric catfish.
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
June-October: Dry season improves fishing conditions for catfish in the Congo.
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