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FRESH WATER - Vertebrate - Eels

Electric Eel Electrophorus electricus

Electric Eel (Electrophorus electricus) Linnaeus, 1766







	region of origin

  Family:  Gymnotidae
  Maximum Size:  98.0 inches
  Temperament:  Semi-Aggressive
  Stamina:  Sensitive

  Activity:  Random
  Tank Area Preference:   Substrate

  Captive Breeding:  Unreported
  Sexual Differences:  None Specified

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notes

The Electric Eel is called a freshwater eel but is more related to knife fishes. It can reach lengths up to 8 feet so it should be house in a very large aquarium. A diet for an adult could include small mammals. The Electric Eel can produce an electric shock in excess of 500 volts which can stun some larger animals like horses, so aquarium maintenance should preformed with utmost care.

overview

The Electric Eel (Electrophorus electricus) belongs to the family named Gymnotidae. Typically reaching a max size of about 98.0 inches in length, the Electric Eel is semi-aggressive in nature and sensitive in stamina. Based on the particular specimen you acquire and its environment, the time when it is most active can fluctuate day or night, and will hang out or do best in the substrate. According to FishDB current data, captive breeding success is unreported and there are no external signs of sexual differences. Electrophorus electricus should not be housed in a tank less than 300 gallons in sizeand in general should have low (2 watts/gallon) light to thrive. Tank parameters should be maintained with ph level between 6.5 - 7.4, temperature between 72 - 79 degrees fahrenheit, Some of the environmental concerns that you should strive to replicate in your home aquaria to promote succesful acclimation include calm waters.

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