Scientific name : Electrophorus electricus
Family : Gymnotidae
Native to : Worldwide Oceans
Interesting fact : Electric eels have cells called electrocytes that produce electricity.
Conservation status : Least Concern
These are about 800 species of this snake-like fish living in the shallow waters of the ocean. Some are found deeper and others live in freshwater. With slimy bodies and reduced fins, they wriggle in mud and crevices. They are nocturnal, feeding on small fish, crustaceans and worms. Their lifecycle begins in the ocean, heading to rivers to spend their life and heading back to the ocean to spawn and die. Their lifespan is 20 years.
