Case Studies
Electric fields are used in numerous ways by animals. Electric eels and some rays have modified muscle cells that produce an electric charge strong enough to shock and sometimes kill their prey.
Other fish use weaker electric fields to navigate murky waters or to monitor their surroundings.
For instance, bony fish and some frogs have a lateral line, a row of sensory pores in the skin, that enables them to detect electrical current in water.
In this following post, we will be investigating these following interesting "attractive" yet dangerous animals (;
A. Electric Eel
Do you know?
An electric eel will not venture to the sea because the salt effectively causes a short circuit during electrical attacks.
It has an excellent sense of hearing and also a Sachs organ, which has been linked to electrolocation.
This organ is able to emit a low voltage charge of about 10 V!
The electric eel has poor vision and depends on its weak electric charge to navigate.
Its electric organ is made up of plates of musclefibres connected in a series down its long body.
Each electric plate generates less than a volt of electricity, but when combined together, they generate a stronger charge used to stun and kill prey.
The eel not only uses these weak charges for orientation, as well as locating prey and potential mates.
Some scientists feel it is also used in a rudimentary form of communication.
When the eel becomes upset or is preparing to attack a prey animal, its brain signals the electric cells in these electric organs.
An ion channel is opened and positively charged sodium flows into the organs, reversing the charge for a moment.
The product of this sudden shift of disturbance in voltage creates an electric current.
How big is the charge given off by an electric eel?
Let's see what an electric eel can do to a Christmas Tree!
B. Electric Stingray
Electric stingrays use electricity for attack and/or defense.
This electric animal hangs suspended in water, waiting for a prey fish to come within range.
When an unsuspecting fish comes into range, the ray lunges forward in a quick motion and wraps the prey in the folds of its pectoral fins.
It will kick with its tail and roll repeatedly in order to tighten its grip, all the while delivering electric shocks to its victim.
Another common tactic involves burying itself in the sand during the daylight hours and rearing out to snatch passing fish.
Maximum voltage during initial attack is 45 volts.
do you know?
Temperature of water will alter the speed of the pulses issued by the ray.
The warmer the water, the faster the attack.
C. Electric Catfish
Catfish use electricity in a variety of ways.
Like the electric eels, catfish are able to send weak electric charges into the water to serve as a type of radar, helping the fish to navigate in its murky environment.
do you know?
The fish emits a continuous electric current as it swims or rests.
Special receptors beneath its skin allow it to detect any disruptions in the current, making it an effective navigational tool.
It can also be used for finding prey. It uses its more powerful current to stun prey and to defend itself when it is attacked by predators.
The electric catfish can generate a powerful charge up to 350 volts.
do you know?
Charges can last up to thirty seconds! These can prove deadly to its prey, but have no effect on the catfish itself!
Electric catfish are vicious defenders of their territory and will attack other catfish upon sight.
Often the battle begins with open mouth displays and thrashing.
Ironically, the fish seldom discharge when fighting their own species.
So don't you dare to upset any animals again - they might just possess electricity enough to kill you! :D