These eels are electric. Here's how they can generate electricity

Do 'electric eels', as the name suggests, can actually produce electricity? The science involving these aquatic hunters has made many people curious as some have tried to understand if this species can actually give you a jolt.

What are electric eels?

Electric eels are not “true” eels which are discovered in the order Anguilliformes. These species belong to the Gymnotiformes orderwhich is also called as knifefishes.

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Electric eels appear similar to carpand catfish, however, their elongated bodies and tapered tails make their movement through the waters swift.

Their body shapes help them in hunt and survive in the river ecosystems of South America.

Once an electric eel fully grows it can be 2.5 metres (8 feet) in length and 20 kilogrammes (45 pounds) in weight which makes them predators in their environment.

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These electric eels are air breathers and fulfil 80 per cent of their oxygen needs by the intake of air into their mouths.

Because of this, these eels are able to thrive inoxygen-poor waters.

Are electric eels able to produce electricity?

The electric eels have three unique organs which help in the generation of electricity.

Each of these organs is filled with nearly 6,000 specific cells called electrolytes.

These electrolytes are able to discharge power when the eel feels threatened or when it attacks a potential prey.

“Electric eels are like living batteries. They have stacks of modified muscle cells called electrocytes, which have both a positive and a negative side,” said Dr Rupert Collins, who is a Senior Curator of Fishes at theNatural History Museum, London.

“When the cells are triggered, they discharge an electrical impulse into the surrounding water, making electric eels living, breathing generators of electricity," he added.

The scientists have not been able to understand how the electric eel manages to generate electric shocks and not hurt themselves in the process.

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It is, however, believed that the water absorbs most of the electrical current around the eel.

Generally, the eel is able to generate nearly 600 volts of electricity but at times they have been able to produce 860 volts, as per a study.

If a human gets a shock from an electric eel, it can lead to severe respiratory difficulties and can also stop the heart.

(With inputs from agencies)