Electrophorus electricus

(Linnaeus, 1766)

Vernacular names
English : Electric eel
French : Anguille électrique

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Gymnotiformes
Family : Gymnotidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow to 2,50 m in length for a weight of 20 kg. Cylindrical soft body, mostly dark brown-black in color. Chin and throat often orange-yellow. Head profile depressed and snout U-shaped. Highest pores count on lower jaw.

Range and habitat
The species lives in south-America, from Central Venezuela to most of the Guianas and nearby north Brazil. Lives in streams, lakes and sluggish rivers in coastal plains and more inland.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species has a much smaller range than thought since it has been split in three species. Re-assessment is necessary.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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