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Many consider this underwater creature a fascinating and mysterious character. It's hard to disagree. The electric eel is a dangerous creature. It creates an electric field around itself, which can serve not only as a navigation aid but also as a means of self-defense.
This predator shouldn't be confused with the common eel. They are similar only in appearance. They have an elongated body with a long anal fin. That's where the similarities end.
This species is found only in the Amazon basin, which is a definite plus. When fishing in the Putorana Plateau, you won't catch this electrically charged killer. However, you do have the chance to catch a noble taimen or other salmonids, such as whitefish, lenok, and grayling.
Appearance and characteristics of the predator
Previously, scientists believed that electric eels were related to carp and crucian carp. They were even classified as members of the Cyprinidae family. Subsequently, these predatory members of the ray-finned order were classified as a separate, gymnotiform species, and now stand apart.
The snake-like electric eel looks like this:
- The elongated body has no scales.
- The fish's coloration is called camouflage because it is greenish-brown. It is very difficult to spot in the murky waters of the Amazon or Orinoco.
- The predator's body is smooth and slimy.
- The powerful anal fin, located at the back of the fish, allows it to move quickly under the water.
- There are two small fins on the chest that stabilize the electric eel's movement.
- The predator grows to enormous sizes. On average, it weighs around 20 kg, with the largest specimen reaching up to 40 kg.
- The length of the electric eel ranges from 1.5 m, and the largest predatory fish can reach 3 m.
- The fish has two nostrils on its nose, as this underwater predator breathes not only underwater but also air. Periodically, the eel rises from the water to take a breath. It also has gills, but if both nostrils are blocked, the eel will suffocate and die.
- The electric eel is a predator, but its mouth has almost no teeth. However, the inside is filled with highly perfused mucus.
This underwater creature is capable of generating electrical discharges of varying strengths. For searching for food, the eel uses a voltage of approximately 50 V, while for defense or attack, it uses a higher voltage of 300 to 650 V.
Special organs allow the predator to generate electricity. These organs are designed for virtually everything; the generated electricity functions as a navigator, locator, search engine, and so on. Figuratively speaking, electric eels survive thanks to their uniqueness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it's worth noting that electric eel populations are declining sharply due to construction projects. Dams, levees, and other structures, like anywhere else, have a detrimental impact on the surrounding environment.
These predators have virtually no enemies and are at the top of the food chain. Besides humans, their enemies include caimans and crocodiles, which are not frightened by electric shocks. However, humans pose a much greater threat to them, as industrial facilities release large amounts of mercury. Electric eels will likely soon become extinct.
In Russia, thanks to the taiga areas of the Putorana Plateau Siberian Nature Reserve, where trophy taimen fishing trips are held, things are looking up. Where humans have never set foot before, cold, clear, and clean waters teem with noble salmon.
