Electric catfish
Electric catfish are a unique species of fish known for their ability to generate substantial electrical pulses, ranging from 350 to 450 volts. This remarkable capability allows them to stun prey, primarily smaller fish and some plant matter, making them effective hunters in their aquatic environment. These fish typically reach lengths of up to 48 inches (122 centimeters) and can weigh as much as 45 pounds (20 kilograms).
Belonging to the family Malapteruridae, electric catfish are nocturnal and prefer to inhabit freshwater bodies, predominantly found in the Nile River and Lake Chad in Africa. They are distinguished by their elongated, rounded body shape and small eyes, relying on their electric organ discharge (EOD) for navigation in low-light conditions. This electrical discharge also serves as a defensive mechanism against potential threats.
Electric catfish breathe by filtering oxygen from the water through their gills, and they live a solitary lifestyle near the bottom of their habitat. During mating, they seek out dark, concealed areas for spawning, with males fertilizing eggs after the females deposit them. In suitable conditions, these fish can live for up to 10 years in both captivity and the wild. Their fascinating adaptations and behaviors make electric catfish a subject of interest for both researchers and aquarium enthusiasts.
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Electric catfish
Electric catfish can produce electrical pulses between 350 and 450 volts of electricity. They use these pulses to stun their prey. Two other fish also have the ability to produce electricity. They are the torpedo rays and the electric eels.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Siluriformes
Family: Malapteruridae
Genus: Malapterurus
Species: Electricus
Electric catfish generally grow to be up to 48 inches (122 centimeters) long, and may weigh up to 45 pounds (20 kilograms). Like other fish, electric catfish need oxygen to survive. Unlike humans, who have lungs and are able to process oxygen from the air, electric catfish have to find the oxygen they need from the water in which they live. Electric catfish take water into their mouths, keep the oxygen they need, and filter the waste chemicals out through the gills on the sides of their bodies.
These long, rounded, sausage-shaped fish are the only catfish which are able to produce electrical currents. They may produce up to 450 volts of electricity. Voltage is a term used to describe how much electricity is present in an electrical charge. Electric catfish are noctoral, meaning they move during the night and sleep or hide during the day. Since they have small eyes, they use their electric organ discharge (EOD) to help them see. They also use this electricity to protect themselves and to stun prey. As omnivores, or animals which eat both meat and plant matter, electric catfish feed mostly on smaller fish and some plant matter.
Electric catfish live in freshwater and are believed to be restricted to the Nile River and Lake Chad of Africa. Like other catfish, they generally live alone along the bottom of the waterway. Electric catfish move through the water by the use of their many fins. They use their dorsal and anal, or back and belly, fins to help keep them balanced in the water, while their caudal, or tail, fins move from side to side propelling them through the water. Electric catfish also use their pectoral, or side, and pelvic, or upper belly, fins as paddles in the water.
Electric catfish mate in the dark, hidden places in the water, such as within hollow logs or under overhangs. Spawning begins when the females deposit their eggs. The males then swim over them and fertilize them. When the fish are born they are called fry until they are fully grown.
Electric catfish can live up to 10 years in captivity and the wild.
Bibliography
“Electric Catfish.” A-Z Animals, 18 Apr. 2022, a-z-animals.com/animals/electric-catfish/. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.
Ng, Heok Hee. “Malapterurus Electricus (Electric Catfish).” Animal Diversity Web, 2000, animaldiversity.org/accounts/Malapterurus‗electricus/. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.