Which fish can produce electricity up to 600 volts?

The electric eel can produce electricity of at least 600 volts, making it the strongest-known electric fish by voltage. Its discharge is powerful enough to stun prey and discourage predators.

Despite its name, the electric eel is not a true eel. It is a South American knifefish in the genus Electrophorus and is more closely related to catfish than to the eel species found in oceans. It breathes air and must regularly surface, especially because it lives in oxygen-poor freshwater environments.

Electric eels generate shocks with specialized organs containing thousands of electrocytes. These cells act like tiny biological batteries. When activated together, they create a rapid electrical pulse used for hunting, defense, and electrolocation. The discharge can also interfere with the muscles and nervous systems of nearby animals.

The 600-volt figure is now conservative. In 2019, scientists recognized multiple electric-eel species, and Electrophorus voltai was reported to produce discharges reaching about 860 volts. Electric rays can deliver strong shocks too, but generally at lower voltage and higher current.