Electric fish are a fascinating group of aquatic creatures that have the ability to generate electric fields. These fields are used for a variety of purposes, including communication, navigation, and defense against predators.
There are many different types of electric fish, ranging from those that produce weak electric fields to those that can generate discharges of up to hundreds of volts. In this article, we will explore 10 of the most shocking electric fish and some interesting facts about each one.
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Discover 10 Types Shocking Fish
Glass Knifefish
The Glass Knifefish, also known as rattail knifefish, is a freshwater fish that belongs to the family Sternopygidae in the order Gymnotiformes. They are found in tropical South America, inhabiting freshwater streams and rivers in Panama and South America. Here are some interesting facts about the Glass Knifefish:
– Glass Knifefish are highly compressed laterally and translucent in life.
– They have villiform (brush-like) teeth on the upper and lower jaws, and a relatively short snout.
– The eyes of Glass Knifefish are relatively large, with a diameter equal to or greater than the distance between nares.
– The anal fin of Glass Knifefish originates at the isthmus, which is the strip of flesh on the ventral surface between the gill covers.
– Glass Knifefish can grow up to 140 cm (55 in) in length.
– They have a tone-like electric organ discharge (EOD) that occurs monophasically.
– Glass Knifefish are one of the more common species from the Amazon basin and can be safely kept in a community tank.
Glass Knifefish are also popular aquarium fish due to their unique body shape and transparent color form.
Pacific Electric Ray
The Pacific Electric Ray, also known as Tetronarce californica, is a species of electric ray that belongs to the family Torpedinidae. It is endemic to the coastal waters of the northeastern Pacific Ocean, ranging from Baja California to British Columbia.
Here are some interesting facts about the Pacific Electric Ray:
– The Pacific Electric Ray is the only electric ray found off western North America.
– They are usually found on sandy bottoms around rocky reefs and kelp beds, at depths from 10–900 feet (3–274 m).
– Pacific Electric Rays are nomadic and solitary, though several individuals may rest within the same area.
– They have a soft, flabby body devoid of dermal denticles, and an oval pectoral fin disc about 1.2 times as wide as long.
– The Pacific Electric Ray has a pair of kidney-shaped electric organs visible beneath the skin, which are derived from muscle and comprise approximately 15% of its total weight.
– They can generate and control a charge when provoked, using their electric field for attack and defense.
– Pacific Electric Rays are caught in small commercial fisheries off the coast of southern California and are utilized in biological and medical research.
Pacific Electric Rays are fascinating creatures that play an important role in the marine ecosystem of the northeastern Pacific Ocean.
Black Ghost Knifefish
The Black Ghost Knifefish, also known as Apteronotus albifrons, is a tropical freshwater fish that belongs to the ghost knifefish family. Here are some interesting facts about the Black Ghost Knifefish:
– They are native to freshwater habitats in South America, ranging from Venezuela to the Paraguay–Paraná River, including the Amazon Basin.
– Black Ghost Knifefish are popular in aquariums due to their unique appearance and nocturnal behavior.
– They have a long, slender body that is all black except for two white rings on its tail and a white blaze on its nose, which can occasionally extend into a stripe down its back.
– Black Ghost Knifefish can grow up to 18-20 inches in length and require a minimum of 100 gallons of water in an aquarium.
– They are a weakly electric fish that use an electric organ and receptors distributed over the length of their body to locate prey, including insect larvae.
– Black Ghost Knifefish are considered a true bony fish and are part of the speckled knifefish group.
– They are believed to be a home for the ghosts of the departed by natives who live near sandy bottom creeks in South America.
– Black Ghost Knifefish have a lifespan of around 10 years under solid care conditions, but can reach up to 15 years in some cases.
Overall, the Black Ghost Knifefish is a fascinating and unique fish that can make a great addition to a large aquarium.
Common Torpedo
The Common Torpedo, also known as the Ocellate Torpedo or Eyed Electric Ray, is a species of electric ray that belongs to the family Torpedinidae. Here are some interesting facts about the Common Torpedo:
– The Common Torpedo is found in the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean from the Bay of Biscay to Angola.
– They are a benthic fish that are typically encountered over soft substrates in fairly shallow, coastal waters, at depths of 2–70 m (6.6–229.7 ft).
– Common Torpedos have a nearly circular disc-shaped body that is light to dark brown in color on the dorsal surface, with distinct large spots, also known as ocellae, that are blue and circled by darker and lighter rings.
– They can grow up to 60 cm (24 in) in length and are ovoviviparous, meaning they form eggs but do not lay them. The young “hatch” within the mother’s body and she bears them live.
– Common Torpedos are slow-moving bottom-dwellers capable of generating electricity as a defense and feeding mechanism.
– They feed on small fishes and benthic invertebrates.
– The Common Torpedo is also known as the crampfish, cramp ray, or torpedo ray.
– Within the genus Torpedo, the Common Torpedo is placed within the subgenus Torpedo, which differs from the other subgenus Tetronarce in having spiracles with papillate rims and ornate dorsal coloration.
Overall, the Common Torpedo is a fascinating species of electric ray that plays an important role in the marine ecosystem of the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean.
Cornish Jack
The Cornish Jack, also known as Mormyrops anguilloides, is a species of weakly electric fish that belongs to the family Mormyridae. Here are some interesting facts about the Cornish Jack:
– The Cornish Jack is native to quiet waters in much of Sub-Saharan Africa.
– It is the largest member of the family Mormyridae and is also known as the African carp.
– The Cornish Jack has an elongated, depressed head that is nearly twice as long as high, with a rounded snout and small eyes placed in the front third of the head.
– They have a single row of small, pointed teeth in both the upper and lower jaws, and the dorsal and anal fins are set well back on the body.
– Cornish Jacks are nocturnal schooling predators that prefer deep and calm waters, and tend to stay close to the bottom.
– They are oviparous and spawn in summer during the rainy season, with females carrying 25,000 or more eggs.
– Cornish Jacks are popular among anglers and are also taken by spearfishermen.
– They have a lifespan of eight or more years.
Overall, the Cornish Jack is a fascinating species of weakly electric fish that plays an important role in the aquatic ecosystem of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Electric Catfish
Electric Catfish, also known as Malapteruridae, is a family of catfishes that includes two genera, Malapterurus and Paradoxoglanis, with 21 species. Here are some interesting facts about Electric Catfish:
Physical Characteristics:
– Electric Catfish have a long, puffy body with thick lips, small eyes, and a rounded tail.
– They have three pairs of barbels on their face, with the nasal pair absent.
– Electric Catfish are brownish or blackish in color, with a single fin on their back.
– They can grow up to 1.2 meters (4 feet) in length and weigh up to 20 kg (44 pounds).
Habitat and Distribution:
– Electric Catfish are found in tropical Africa and the Nile River.
– They prefer standing water and are active at night, feeding mainly on fish stunned by electric shocks.
– Electric Catfish are known from much of Central Africa that lies north of the Zambezi River, although they are absent from Lake Victoria and the Congo basin.
Behavior and Diet:
– Electric Catfish are nocturnal and carnivorous.
– They use their electric organ, capable of discharging 300-400 volts, for prey capture and defense.
– Electric Catfish feed on smaller fish, invertebrates, and eggs.
– They are highly territorial and will use the electric discharge to defend their territory against intruders of the same species.
Aquarium Care:
– Electric Catfish are popular in the aquarium trade due to their unique appearance and behavior.
– They require a minimum tank size of 180 liters (46 gallons) and a temperature of at least 75°F (24°C).
– Electric Catfish are active burrowers and will often remove the gravel from under their favorite hiding spot.
– They will readily accept most sinking foods, feeder fish, and worms.
Overall, Electric Catfish are fascinating creatures that play an important role in the aquatic ecosystem of tropical Africa and the Nile River.
Electric Eel
The Electric Eel, also known as Electrophorus electricus, is a freshwater fish that is native to South America. Here are some interesting facts about the Electric Eel:
Physical Characteristics:
– Electric Eels have a long, cylindrical body that is generally dark green or grayish on top with yellowish coloring underneath.
– They can grow up to 8 feet (2.5 meters) in length and weigh up to 44 pounds.
– Electric Eels have thick, scaleless skin and a flattened head.
– They have three pairs of abdominal organs that produce electricity, which they use for hunting, defense, communication, and navigation.
Habitat and Distribution:
– Electric Eels are found in the murky streams and ponds of the Amazon and Orinoco basins of South America.
– They prefer areas with plenty of food, like crabs and freshwater shrimp.
– Electric Eels are air-breathers and must come to the surface frequently.
Behavior and Diet:
– Electric Eels are nocturnal and feed mainly on fish, but also amphibians, birds, and small mammals.
– They emit a weak electric signal, which they use like radar to navigate, find a mate, and locate prey.
– When prey is found, Electric Eels will use a much stronger shock to stun it, usually smaller fish.
– Electric Eels are not very aggressive animals and use their shock to stun prey and keep predators at bay.
Electric Eels are fascinating creatures that play an important role in the aquatic ecosystem of the Amazon and Orinoco basins of South America.
Northern Stargazer
The Northern Stargazer, also known as Astroscopus guttatus, is a unique-looking fish that is found on the Atlantic shores between the states of North Carolina and New York in the United States. Here are some interesting facts about the Northern Stargazer:
Physical Characteristics:
– Northern Stargazers have a flattened body that is speckled and a large head.
– They can grow up to 22 inches in length and weigh up to 20 pounds.
– Northern Stargazers have a large mouth with sharp teeth and eyes on top of their head.
– They have a tube-like structure above their mouth that they use to suck in prey.
Habitat and Distribution:
– Northern Stargazers are found in coastal waters down to 120 feet.
– They are benthic species, living most of their life on or under the bottom.
– Northern Stargazers are found inshore, at estuary mouths, and in bays.
Behavior and Diet:
– Northern Stargazers are ambush predators that bury themselves in the sand with only their eyes and mouth exposed.
– They feed on small fish and invertebrates that swim by their hiding spot.
– Northern Stargazers are not aggressive towards humans, but they can deliver a strong electric shock if stepped on or touched.
Overall, the Northern Stargazer is a fascinating fish that is known for its unique appearance and behavior.
Elephantnose Fish
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The Elephantnose Fish, also known as Peters’s elephantnose fish, is a freshwater fish that belongs to the family Mormyridae and is native to the rivers of West and Central Africa. Here are some interesting facts about the Elephantnose Fish:
Physical Characteristics:
– Elephantnose Fish have a long, slender body that is dark brown to black in color, with a rear dorsal fin and anal fin of the same length.
– They have a long chin barbel on their lower jaw, which is the basis for their name.
– Elephantnose Fish can grow up to 14 inches (35 cm) in length, although around 9 inches (23 cm) is common.
– They have a delicate extended lip that they use to sift through soft, sandy substrate in search of food.
Habitat and Distribution:
– Elephantnose Fish are found in slow-moving waters in large rivers in Western Africa, from the Niger to Congo river basins.
– They are usually found close to the bottom at depths of 16 to 62 feet (5-19 m).
– Elephantnose Fish are oviparous, with females laying eggs that later hatch into fry.
Behavior and Diet:
– Elephantnose Fish are social animals that usually occur in large schools, with a complex social structure.
– They feed mostly at night on worms and insects, probing for prey with their long barbel, possibly aided by their electro-sensory capability.
– Elephantnose Fish are territorial and can be aggressive towards other Elephantnose Fish, involving electric organ discharge (EOD) activity.
– They are used at government water treatment facilities to monitor water quality due to their sensitivity to water conditions.
Aquarium Care:
– Elephantnose Fish are popular in the aquarium trade due to their unique appearance and behavior.
– They require a minimum tank size of 200 liters (53 US gallons) and a temperature of between 26–28 °C (79–82 °F).
– Elephantnose Fish are shy and sensitive fish that need pristine water conditions to thrive.
– They will readily accept most sinking foods, feeder fish, and worms.
Overall, the Elephantnose Fish is a fascinating species of freshwater fish that plays an important role in the aquatic ecosystem of Western Africa.
Weakly Electric Fish
Weakly electric fish are a group of fish that generate weak electric fields from an electric organ in their tails. They are also electroreceptive, meaning that they can sense electric fields. Here are some interesting facts about weakly electric fish:
– Weakly electric fish generate a discharge that is typically less than one volt.
– These electric fields are too weak to stun prey and instead are used for navigation, electrolocation in conjunction with electroreceptors in their skin, and electrocommunication with other electric fish.
– The major groups of weakly electric fish are the Osteoglossiformes, which include the Mormyridae (elephantfishes) and the African knifefish Gymnarchus, and the Gymnotiformes (South American knifefishes).
– Weakly electric fish are shown grouped together near the middle of the phylogenetic tree of electric fish.
– In different species of weakly electric fish, the electric organ discharge (EOD) waveform takes two general forms. In some species, the waveform is continuous and almost sinusoidal (e.g., Apteronotus, Eigenmannia, Gymnarchus). These fish are said to have a wave-type EOD. In other species, the EOD waveform consists of brief pulses (e.g., Pollimyrus, Petrocephalus, Gnathonemus). These fish are said to have a pulse-type EOD.
– Weakly electric fish are used in scientific research to better understand sensory abilities and movement, with the goal of developing new technologies drawn from biology.
– Weakly electric fish have sensory receptors everywhere on their body, which allows them to emit an electric field and detect the field. If something is out there, there is an interruption of the signal and the receptors pick up the distortion. They can do it in all directions.
Overall, weakly electric fish are a fascinating group of fish that play an important role in the aquatic ecosystem and scientific research.
FAQS
1. What is an electric fish?
An electric fish is a type of fish that can generate electric fields. These fields are used for a variety of purposes, including communication, navigation, and defense against predators.
2. How many types of electric fish are there?
There are around 350 types of electric fish in the world.
3. What are some examples of electric fish?
Some examples of electric fish include the Electric Eel, Glass Knifefish, Pacific Electric Ray, Black Ghost Knifefish, and Electric Catfish.
4. How do electric fish generate electricity?
Electric fish generate electricity using an electric organ in their tails. This organ contains specialized cells called electrocytes that produce an electric field.
5. What are weakly electric fish?
Weakly electric fish are a group of fish that generate weak electric fields from an electric organ in their tails. They are also electroreceptive, meaning that they can sense electric fields.
6. Are electric fish dangerous to humans?
Some electric fish can deliver a strong electric shock, but most are not dangerous to humans. However, it is important to handle them with care to avoid injury.
7. Can electric fish be kept in aquariums?
Yes, many types of electric fish are popular in the aquarium trade due to their unique appearance and behavior. However, they require specific care and conditions to thrive.
8. What is the purpose of the electric fields generated by electric fish?
Electric fields generated by electric fish are used for a variety of purposes, including communication, navigation, and defense against predators. Some electric fish also use their electric fields to locate prey.
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Category: Animals
