98. How much electricity does an electric eel generate? 



Although the electric eel (which isn't a true eel) is the best known 

 generator of electricity, there are at least 500 kinds of fishes that gener- 

 ate appreciable amounts of electricity. The electrical discharge serves 

 to stun prey and repel attackers. 



The average discharge is more than 350 volts, but discharges as high 

 as 650 volts have been measured. Current is low, usually a fraction of an 

 ampere; however, brief discharges of 500 volts at 2 amperes have been 

 measured, producing 1,000 watts. Although direct current is produced, 

 it may be discharged as frequently as 300 times a second. 



Severity of the shock depends on the size and state of health of the 

 fish. Voltage increases until the eel reaches a total length of about 3 

 feet; after that, only amperage increases. Electric eels in South American 

 waters have been known to grow to a length of almost 10 feet. 



Other electric fish are found in other parts of the world. 



Cromle, William J. 



The Living World of the Sea, Prentice-Hall, 1966. 

 Herald, Earl S. 



Living Fishes of the World, Doubieday and Company, 1961. 



118 



