Electric Eel

The Electric Eel is arguably the most extraordinary freshwater fish on Earth — a living battery capable of generating discharges exceeding 600 volts, enough to incapacitate prey, deter predators, and navigate the lightless depths of its Amazonian habitat through electrolocation. Despite its common name, Electrophorus electricus is not a true eel but a knifefish, more closely related to catfish and carp than to marine eels. At The Fish Collection, we offer this legendary species exclusively to specialist keepers with the infrastructure and expertise to house what is essentially a biological power plant.

The Electric Eel's body is cylindrical and elongated, reaching up to 8 feet in the wild, though captive specimens typically max out around 6 to 7 feet. Coloration is a deep olive-grey to dark brown, occasionally with orange or yellow mottling on the throat in mature individuals. Three specialized electric organs — the Main organ, Hunter's organ, and Sachs' organ — comprise roughly 80 percent of the body and generate both high-voltage hunting/defense discharges and low-voltage pulses for navigation and communication.

Housing an Electric Eel demands a minimum 300-gallon aquarium, though 500 gallons or larger is strongly preferred for an adult. The tank must be constructed with non-conductive silicone seals and equipped with a secure, heavy lid — Electric Eels are obligate air breathers that surface regularly and can escape through surprisingly small openings. Substrate should be fine sand or bare bottom for easy cleaning. Decorations must be smooth with no sharp edges, as the fish's scaleless skin is vulnerable to abrasion. Water temperature should be maintained between 73 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0.

Feeding is straightforward — Electric Eels are voracious carnivores that accept earthworms, fish fillets, shrimp, and eventually high-quality pellets. Juveniles eat daily; adults can be fed two to three times weekly. Always use long rubber-handled tongs for feeding — direct hand contact with the water during feeding is dangerous and strictly prohibited.

This species is sold only to buyers who can demonstrate appropriate housing and acknowledge the inherent risks of keeping a fish capable of delivering a potentially lethal electrical shock. A liability waiver and housing verification are required before shipment.