Scientific Name. Electrophorus electricus.

Comments
Young Electric Eels can see quite well with their eyes, but adults see very little or perhaps nothing at all. As Electric Eels grow larger, they are able to generate stronger electric fields in the water surrounding their bodies. They use these electric field to gather information about their environment, to defend themselves, and to kill small fish. Their electric organs can generate up to 600 volts and a current of up to 1 amp.

An Electric Eel must take a fresh gulp of air into its mouth from the surface of the water every few minutes. Inside the Eel's mouth are special tissues that can absorb oxygen.

Incidentally, we have sold very few Electric Eels, and we generally do not recommend them except to large public aquariums.

Appropriate Home
A very large aquarium with at least 100 gallons of water, an exterior power filter with a BIO-Wheel, and a maximum of 1/4 inch of gravel. The water temperature should be between 75 and 80 degrees F. Click here for more information about warm water aquariums.

Recommended Diet
Electric Eels eat smaller fish. Click here for general information about feeding fish.

Compatibility
Electric Eels are not compatible with other species of fish. Adult Electric Eels are rather tolerant of each other, but young Electric Eels often fight among themselves. Click here to read more about several other groups of compatible fish.

Size and Life Span
Electric Eels grow to a maximum size of about 8 feet long. Their life span is not known to us, but it is probably many years.