The electric eel (Electrophorus electricus) is a species of fish from the rivers of South America. Despite its name, it is actually not an eel, but a species of knifefish. True to its name, however, it produces electrical charges which it can use to stun prey or predators. This electricity is produced by three separate organs, each with a different strength. The Electric eel inhabits fresh waters of the Amazon and Orinoco River basins in South America, in floodplains, swamps, creeks, small rivers, and coastal plains. They often live on muddy bottoms in calm or stagnant waters. Electric eels feed on invertebrates, although adult eels may also consume fish and small mammals, such as rats. First-born hatchlings eat other eggs and embryos from later clutches. The juveniles eat invertebrates, such as shrimp and crabs. The Electric eel is known for its unusual breeding behavior. In the dry season, a male eel makes a nest from his saliva into which the female lays her eggs. As many as 3,000 young hatch from the eggs in one nest. Males grow to be larger than females by about 14 in.
