Which freshwater fish is known as the electric eel despite being a knifefish?

The electric eel is known by that name despite being a knifefish rather than a true eel.

Electric eels are elongated South American freshwater fishes in the genus Electrophorus. They belong to the knifefish group, which is separate from the true eel order Anguilliformes. Their cylindrical bodies and ribbon-like anal fins help them move through slow rivers, flooded forests, and muddy wetlands.

They produce electricity with specialized electrocytes arranged in electric organs. Depending on the species, these discharges can stun prey, deter predators, and help the fish sense its surroundings in dark or cloudy water.

The genus contains several recognized species, including Electrophorus electricus, Electrophorus voltai, and Electrophorus varii. The common name remains singularly associated with this remarkable South American lineage.