Which fish genus includes the electric eels native to the Amazon Basin?

Electrophorus is the fish genus that includes electric eels native to the Amazon Basin.

Electric eels are not true eels; they are knifefishes with elongated bodies and no pelvic fins. Their name comes from their ability to generate electricity using specialised electric organs along much of the body. These discharges help them locate objects, communicate, stun prey, and defend themselves in dark or muddy water.

The genus once contained a single widely recognised species, Electrophorus electricus. Scientific work has since shown that electric eels include multiple species, including Electrophorus voltai and Electrophorus varii. Electrophorus voltai is especially notable for producing very high-voltage discharges.

Electric eels live in freshwater habitats rather than the ocean. Flooded forests, slow-moving rivers, and other seasonally connected waters of the Amazon Basin provide suitable environments for them.