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SPECIES PROFILE
Electric Eel (Electrophorus electricus)
Electrophorus
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Actinopterygii
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Amazon and Orinoco basins
DIET
Carnivorous
HABITAT
Slow, muddy rivers and swamps
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Actinopterygii
ORDER
Gymnotiformes
FAMILY
Gymnotidae
GENUS
Electrophorus
📋 Description
SIZE
Up to 2.5 m long
COLORATION
Dark grey-brown, eel-like body
ADAPTATIONS
Generates powerful electric shocks to stun prey and defend itself
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Slow, muddy rivers and swamps
DIET
Carnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Amazon and Orinoco basins
REPRODUCTION
Male guards eggs in a foam nest
DIET DETAILS
Fish and invertebrates
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat change
💡 Interesting Facts
1
It can deliver a shock of up to 600 volts, enough to stun a horse.
2
Despite the name it is not a true eel but a type of knifefish that breathes air.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Pacaya-Samiria NR
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Year-round
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Best seen with community guides on Amazon oxbow lakes; the eel surfaces to gulp air.
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