What type of animal is an electric eel?

Electric eel, or more scientifically known as Electrophorus electricus, is a fish often spotted in the waters of South America. While it might be classified as an eel, it is not actually an eel. The electric eel anatomy is closer to catfish and knifefish rather than eels. Electric eels are unique for being one of the few creatures which can naturally generate electricity. With the help of their main organs, Hunter’s organs and Sachs organs, they can paralyze their predators and prey and ensure their survival.

Fun Electric Eel Facts For Kids

What do they prey on? Mainly fish and small mammals like rats

What do they eat? Carnivorous

Average litter size? 1200

How much do they weigh? Up to 44 lb

How long are they? 72-96 in (182.88 to 243.84 cm)

How tall are they? N/A

What do they look like? Dark grey or brown body and yellow-orange underside

Skin Type Slender, scaleless

What were their main threats? Larger Mammals, Especially American Crocodiles, Piranhas And Caimans

What is their conservation status? Least Concern

What do they prey on? Mainly fish and small mammals like rats

What do they eat? Carnivorous

Average litter size? 1200

How much do they weigh? Up to 44 lb

How long are they? 72-96 in (182.88 to 243.84 cm)

How tall are they? N/A

What do they look like? Dark grey or brown body and yellow-orange underside

Skin Type Slender, scaleless

What were their main threats? Larger Mammals, Especially American Crocodiles, Piranhas And Caimans

What is their conservation status? Least Concern

What do they prey on?

Mainly fish and small mammals like rats

What do they eat?

Carnivorous

Average litter size?

1200

How much do they weigh?

Up to 44 lb

How long are they?

72-96 in (182.88 to 243.84 cm)

How tall are they?

N/A

What do they look like?

Dark grey or brown body and yellow-orange underside

Skin Type

Slender, scaleless

What were their main threats?

Larger Mammals, Especially American Crocodiles, Piranhas And Caimans

What is their conservation status?

Least Concern

Where you’ll find them? Muddy Beds Of Stagnant Or Calm Water Bodies

Kingdom Animalia

Genus Electrophorus

Class Actinopterygii

Family Gymnotidae

Where you’ll find them?

Muddy Beds Of Stagnant Or Calm Water Bodies

Locations

Kingdom Animalia

Genus Electrophorus

Kingdom

Animalia

Genus

Electrophorus

Class Actinopterygii

Family Gymnotidae

Class

Actinopterygii

Family

Gymnotidae