description Volta's electric eel Overview
Volta's electric eel is the common name for Electrophorus voltai, a species of electric eel from South America that was formally described in 2019. It is a freshwater knifefish rather than a true eel and can produce electrical discharges exceeding 860 volts. These discharges are used for hunting, defense, and sensing the surrounding environment in often low-visibility water.
help Volta's electric eel FAQ
What is Volta's electric eel's scientific name?
Its scientific name is Electrophorus voltai, a South American freshwater species formally described in 2019. Despite its common name, it is a knifefish rather than a true eel.
How strong is the shock from Electrophorus voltai?
It can produce electrical discharges exceeding 860 volts. That figure is why Volta's electric eel is notable among freshwater electric fishes.
Is Volta's electric eel a real eel?
No, Electrophorus voltai is a freshwater knifefish, not a marine eel in Muraenidae. Its electrical discharge is the feature behind the common name.
Where does Volta's electric eel live?
It is a freshwater fish from South America, unlike marine moray and conger eels. The species was formally described in 2019 and is known for discharges above 860 volts.
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