Electric Eel

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Dark rivers of the Amazon and Orinoco basins. Prefers very slow or stagnant and murky waters, poor in dissolved oxygen, on whose bottom it lies in wait, camouflaging itself.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Electric Eel (Electrophorus electricus). In reality it is not an eel (Anguilliformes), but belongs to the Gymnotiformes (knifefish). 90% of its immense 2-meter (6.5 ft) body consists of muscle masses transformed into electrogenic plates capable of generating discharges of hundreds of volts.

Social Behavior: Solitary and apex predator, lethargic and nocturnal. In the aquarium it spends 95% of its time motionless on the bottom, emerging to the surface to gulp air (obligate air breathing).

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Heavy muscular tube of gray/anthracite black or muddy brown color. In large specimens the throat and belly take on a dark orange or dirty red color. No known visual sexual dimorphism.

Aquarium Setup: Not a fish for home aquariums. Requires monumental tanks (300+ cm / 120 inches, over 2,500 liters / 660 gallons). Powerful chemical filtration given the diet, low lights and zero decor except PVC pipes to allow it to rest. MASSIVE lid, the animal can destroy it and get out.

Diet and Feeding: Fleshy carnivore. Accepts thawed fish, squid and giant mussels presented with long PLASTIC TONGS. Hunts by paralyzing the prey before swallowing it whole. One meal a week is often sufficient for large specimens.

Water Quality: Extremely robust; breathes atmospheric air so it is insensitive to the oxygen in the tank (it is sufficient that there is no toxic ammonia for the skin). Warning, if you prevent it from emerging it will drown.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Strictly ZERO tankmates, unless you have indoor ponds. Will kill by electrocution or swallow anything placed next to it, even large Pacus or giant Cichlids.

Aquarium Reproduction: Unknown in captivity. In nature the male builds a nest of salivary foam during the dry season.

Risks and Diseases: MORTAL DANGER! A discharge (up to 800V) can cause cardiac fibrillation in humans, especially in aquatic immersion. Any operation in the tank requires industrial high-voltage rubber insulating gloves and preferably moving the animal with double nets without a metal frame. Under no circumstances to be kept if inexperienced.