PACIFIC ELECTRIC EELS

By: Nick Powell

Basic Info Common name: Pacific Electric Eel Scientific Name: Electrophorus

electricus Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii

Where Are They Found? Mostly in calm, muddy environments Large concentration in Amazon Found mostly in rainforest-like regions

Statistics Grow up to about 2.5 meters Move about 5 mph Weigh about 44 pounds Scales are usually either black, white,

purple, or blue Live about 15-22 years

Habits Feeds on small animals Mostly fish but will eat birds and small

mammals In dry season males use saliva to make

a nest for the female to lay her egg clutch of about 17,000-20,000

Other Information 80% of body holds electric producing

organs Can produce a 500 volt shock at a

distance of 28 feet in the water Used in Zoos or private collections or as

food by humans Not actually an eel scientists view it

more as a catfish

Quiz (True or False) 1) 60% of the body is used to house vital

organs. True or False? 2) Feed on small animals. True or

False? 3) It’s not actually an eel. True or False? 4) Is about 2.5 meters in length. True or

False? 5) Electric Eels move about 50 mph.

True or False?

Answers 1) False 2)True 3)True 4) True 5) False