Quck answer
Yes, an electric eel can potentially kill a human being. While they typically use their electric shock for hunting and self-defense, a strong enough shock could cause cardiac arrest or respiratory failure in a person. However, such incidents are rare and usually occur when the eel is provoked or feels threatened. It is important to handle electric eels with caution and respect their natural behavior in order to avoid any dangerous situations.
Wild Animals
A fully grown electric eel can produce up to 600 volts of electricity.
Mark Newman/Getty Images
A Brazilian fisherman’s ordinary fishing trip ended in surprising video footage that became popular. After catching an electric eel and leaving it on the riverbank to retrieve a knife, the fisherman returned to find a caiman had come to investigate. As the fisherman began recording on his smartphone, the caiman was electrocuted and died from the eel’s electric shock.
Though there are few records of people dying from the shock of an electric eel, it is possible. A single shock could cause a person to drown, even in shallow water. Multiple shocks could lead to heart failure or respiratory problems.
The size of the eel may also play a role in whether or not its shock is fatal. The electric eel, Electrophorus electricus, is not actually an eel but a fish belonging to the Gymnotiformes order, related to carp and catfish. Found in the rivers, streams, and ponds of South America, electric eels can grow up to 8 feet (2.5 meters) long and weigh up to 44 pounds (20 kilograms).
Although they are aquatic creatures, electric eels regularly come to the surface to breathe air. They emit a steady electric charge of about 10 volts, even when they do not feel threatened, to help them navigate muddy waters and identify prey.
Full-grown electric eels can produce intense bursts of electricity, generating up to 600 volts for short periods of time. This electrical charge comes from thousands of muscle cells that each create a small current. A 6-foot eel, for example, has about 6,000 muscle cells that work together to generate 600 volts, which is five times the voltage of a standard US wall socket.
The reason why electric eels can shock and sometimes kill other fish, amphibians, and birds without suffering the same consequences is still unknown. One theory is that the eel may feel the shock but has developed a resistance over time.
Originally Published: Aug 11, 2015
FAQ about Electric Eels
Is it possible for an electric eel to kill a human?
While there have been rare documented cases of deaths caused by electric eel shocks, it is possible for an adult eel to produce up to 600 volts of electrical energy, which can be lethal or leave a person incapacitated for years.
Can electric eels be consumed as food?
Yes, electric eels can be eaten, but they are not an ideal food source for humans due to their bony structure and lack of sustenance.
Why do electric eels have the ability to produce electricity?
Electric eels are deadly predators in the ocean and have approximately 6,000 cells in their slim bodies that each generate about 0.15 volts of electricity.
What is the lifespan of electric eels?
The actual lifespan of eels in the wild is not known, but in captivity, male eels can live for an average of 10 to 15 years, while female eels can live for about 12 to 22 years.
How large can electric eels grow?
South American electric eels can reach up to 8 feet in length and weigh up to 44 pounds.
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Sources
- Caputi, Angel. “How do electric eels generate a voltage and why do they not get shocked in the process?” Scientific American. Sept. 5, 2005. (June 15, 2015) http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-do-electric-eels-gene/
- National Geographic. “Electric Eel.” (June 15, 2015) http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/electric-eel
- Pelletier, Tom. “How do electric eels generate electricity?” Ask a Naturalist. (June 15, 2015) http://askanaturalist.com/how-do-electric-eels-generate-electricity/
- Telegraph. “Electric Eel Kills Caiman.” Dec. 16, 2010. (June 15, 2015) http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newsvideo/weirdnewsvideo/8206677/Electric-eel-kills-caiman.html
FAQ
1. Can an electric eel kill a human?
Yes, an electric eel can kill a human, but it rarely happens. The electric eel’s shock is strong enough to stun or kill small animals, but it is not usually strong enough to kill a human. However, if someone has a pre-existing medical condition, such as a heart condition, they may be more vulnerable to the shock.
2. How strong is an electric eel’s shock?
An electric eel’s shock can range from a mild tingling sensation to a powerful jolt of several hundred volts. The strength of the shock depends on the size and age of the eel, as well as the distance between the eel and the target.
3. How does an electric eel produce electricity?
An electric eel has specialized cells called electrocytes that can generate electricity. These cells are arranged in stacks along the eel’s body, and when they are stimulated, they discharge a burst of electricity. The eel can control the intensity and duration of the shock by varying the number of electrocytes it uses.
4. Are electric eels dangerous to humans?
Electric eels can be dangerous to humans, but they generally avoid contact with people. If someone does come into contact with an electric eel, they may receive a shock that can cause muscle spasms, difficulty breathing, and even loss of consciousness. However, fatalities are rare.
5. Can an electric eel be kept as a pet?
It is not recommended to keep an electric eel as a pet. They require a large tank with plenty of hiding places, and their shock can be dangerous to humans and other animals. Additionally, they have a specialized diet that can be difficult to provide in captivity.
6. How do electric eels hunt for food?
Electric eels use their electricity to locate and stun prey. They can emit a series of rapid shocks that create a low-frequency electrical field, which they use to detect the movements of nearby prey. Once they have located their prey, they can deliver a powerful shock to stun or kill it.
7. How long can an electric eel live?
Electric eels can live up to 15 years in the wild, but their lifespan is often shorter in captivity. Their lifespan depends on factors such as diet, water quality, and the size of their tank.
8. Are electric eels endangered?
Electric eels are not currently considered endangered, but they are threatened by habitat loss and overfishing. In some areas, they are also hunted for their meat and skin.
9. Can electric eels generate enough electricity to power a light bulb?
Yes, an electric eel can generate enough electricity to power a small light bulb or a small electronic device. However, this is not a practical or safe way to generate electricity.
10. Are there any other animals that can generate electricity?
Yes, there are several other animals that can generate electricity, including certain species of fish, rays, and catfish. These animals use their electricity for communication, navigation, and hunting.
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