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Electric Eels

11th December, 2023

Electric Eels

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Context

  • In a recent study, it was found that electric eels can release enough electricity to genetically modify small fish larvae

All about Electric Eels

  • The Electric Eels are a genus, Electrophorus, of neotropical freshwater fish from South America in the family Gymnotidae.
  • They are known for their ability to stun their prey by generating electricity, delivering shocks at up to 860 volts.
  • Their electrical capabilities were first studied in 1775, contributing to the invention in 1800 of the electric battery.
  • Electric eels can grow up to 8 feet (2.5 meters) in length.
  • Despite their appearance, electric eels aren’t eels at all. They are more closely related to carp and catfish.
  • In 2019, electric eels were split into three species: for more than two centuries before that, the genus was believed to be monotypic, containing only Electrophorus electricus.
  • They are nocturnal, obligate air-breathing animals.
  • Electric eels are nocturnal, live in muddy, dark waters, and have poor eyesight. So instead of using eyes, electric eels emit a weak electric signal, which they use like radar to navigate, to find a mate, and to find prey. Once prey is found, electric eels will use a much stronger shock to stun prey, usually smaller fish.
  • Electric eels grow for as long as they live, adding more vertebrae to their spinal column.
  • Males are larger than females. Some captive specimens have lived for over 20 years.
  • The three species have largely non-overlapping distributions in the northern part of South America.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements with reference to Electric Eels:

1.    Electric Eels stun their prey by generating electricity, delivering shocks at up to 2000 volts.

2.    They are more closely related to carp and catfish.

3.    They are nocturnal, obligate air-breathing animals.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

A) 1 only

B) 1 and 2 only

C) 3 only

D) All

Answer: A) 1 only