The electric eel can generate strong electric discharges to stun prey and defend itself.
Electric eels live in freshwater habitats of northern South America, including rivers, floodplains, and rainforest waterways. Despite its common name, an electric eel is not a true eel. It is a knifefish, and modern classification recognizes several species in the genus Electrophorus.
The animal produces electricity with specialized cells called electrocytes. These cells act somewhat like biological batteries. Depending on the species, a large electric eel can produce a discharge of more than 800 volts. Strong discharges help immobilize prey, while weaker electrical signals assist with sensing and communication in dark or murky water.
Electric eels must regularly reach the surface because they obtain much of their oxygen by breathing air. Their ability to produce electricity is therefore useful in habitats where visibility is poor and submerged vegetation is dense.