What family is the electric eel in?
An electric eel’s name is misleading because it is not actually an eel; it is a type of fish called a knife-fish.
How is an electric eel name misleading?
These famous freshwater predators get their name from the enormous electrical charge they can generate to stun prey and dissuade predators. Their bodies contain electric organs with about 6,000 specialized cells called electrocytes that store power like tiny batteries.
How do electric eels get their name?
The so-called electric eel. Known by many names in the eighteenth century, including Gymnotus electricus after it was shown to be electrical, this strongly shocking river dweller from northern South America is actually a fish. Its newer scientific name is Electrophorus electricus (From Hunter, 1775).
Are electric eels in the eel family?
Despite their name, electric eels are not closely related to the true eels (Anguilliformes) but are members of the electroreceptive neotropical knifefish order (Gymnotiformes), which is more closely related to the catfish.
What are electric eels related to?
The electric eel is a knifefish and is more closely related to catfish and carp than to other eel families. This electric fish can generate up to 800 volts of electricity!
What kind of fish is an electric eel?
knife fishes
What family does the eel belong to?
Eel.Eels Temporal range:Superorder:ElopomorphaOrder:Anguilliformes L. S. Berg, 1943Type genusAnguilla Garsault, 17648 more rows
What did electric eels used to be called?
Indigenous people in Venezuela called it arimna, or something that deprives you of motion. Early European naturalists referred to it as the numb-eel. And for 250 years, since it was first given a Latin name, Western scientists have known it as Electrophorus electricus, the electric eel, the sole member of its genus
Was electricity named after eels?
The so-called electric eel. Known by many names in the eighteenth century, including Gymnotus electricus after it was shown to be electrical, this strongly shocking river dweller from northern South America is actually a fish. Its newer scientific name is Electrophorus electricus (From Hunter, 1775).
Is an electric eel really an eel?
Though commonly referred to as an eel, this fish is not considered a true eel. While true eels are classified in the order Anguilliformes, the electric eel is actually in the order Gymnotiformes, the knife fishes. Knife fishes have no dorsal fin and a long, extended anal fin.
What is so special about the electrical eel?
The electric eel gets its name from its shocking abilities! Special organs in the eel’s body release powerful electric charges of up to 650 voltsthat’s more than five times the power of a standard United States wall socket!
What did they call electric eels before electricity was invented?
Indigenous people in Venezuela called it arimna, or something that deprives you of motion. Early European naturalists referred to it as the numb-eel. And for 250 years, since it was first given a Latin name, Western scientists have known it as Electrophorus electricus, the electric eel, the sole member of its genus
What is the real name for an electric eels?
All three speciesthe electric eel (Electrophorus electricus), Vari’s electric eel (E. varii), and Volta’s electric eel (E. voltai)are found in the Amazon River or its tributaries.
When did they name electric eels?
When the species now defined as Electrophorus electricus was originally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1766, he used the name Gymnotus electricus, placing it in the same genus as Gymnotus carapo (banded knifefish). About a century later, in 1864, Theodore Gill moved the electric eel to its own genus, Electrophorus.
Are electric eels related to eels?
Despite its name, the electric eel is a knifefish, not an eel. It is a member of the order Gymnotiformes and is more related to carp and catfish.
What’s the difference between an eel and an electric eel?
The electric eel is a knifefish and is more closely related to catfish and carp than to other eel families. This electric fish can generate up to 800 volts of electricity!
Are electric eels actually fish?
Despite its name, the electric eel is a knifefish, not an eel. It is a member of the order Gymnotiformes and is more related to carp and catfish.
What classification is an electric eel?
Though commonly referred to as an eel, this fish is not considered a true eel. While true eels are classified in the order Anguilliformes, the electric eel is actually in the order Gymnotiformes, the knife fishes. Knife fishes have no dorsal fin and a long, extended anal fin.
Are eels the only electric animal?
1. Electric Eel. The electric eel (Electrophorus electricus) is the only species in the Electrophorusgenus and is known for its ability to produce electricity. The fish live in the Amazon and Orinoco freshwater river basins in South America.
Are electric eels catfish?
Though commonly referred to as an eel, this fish is not considered a true eel. While true eels are classified in the order Anguilliformes, the electric eel is actually in the order Gymnotiformes, the knife fishes. Knife fishes have no dorsal fin and a long, extended anal fin.
Are electric eels eels or fish?
The electric eel is a knifefish and is more closely related to catfish and carp than to other eel families. They are capable of generating up to 800 volts of electricity!
Can an electric eel hurt a human?
Despite its name, the electric eel is a knifefish, not an eel. It is a member of the order Gymnotiformes and is more related to carp and catfish. It got its name from its eel-shaped body, which can grow to 9 ft (2.75 m) long and weigh almost 50 lbs (22.7 kg).
Is eel a fish or snake?
Eels are actually fish (albeit typically longer) and are flatter than snakes. As marine animals and unlike reptiles, eels breathe underwater with their gills and fins, and therefore cannot survive outside of water.
What kingdom do eels belong to?
It is a member of the order Gymnotiformes and is more related to carp and catfish. It got its name from its eel-shaped body, which can grow to 9 ft (2.75 m) long and weigh almost 50 lbs (22.7 kg). Unlike true eels, who mostly live in salt water, electric eels are found in fresh waters in South America.
What were electric eels called originally?
Indigenous people in Venezuela called it arimna, or something that deprives you of motion. Early European naturalists referred to it as the numb-eel. And for 250 years, since it was first given a Latin name, Western scientists have known it as Electrophorus electricus, the electric eel, the sole member of its genus