Edit Electrophorus electricus
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Name
Scientific name
Electrophorus electricus
Described by
Not recorded
Family
Gymnotidae
Common names
Electric Eel
Photograph credits
All 2 credited
Summary
The electric eel, Electrophorus electricus, is a nocturnal predator from Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Peru and Brazil. Up to…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
2500mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Water movement Low: still or sluggish water
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 23–28°C, pH 5.5–7
Hardness
1–12dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Not recorded
Social needs
Solitary or specimen
Community suitability
Not recorded
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname
Writing
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Peru and Brazil.
Habitat
Slow-moving, often oxygen deprived, stagnant waters, including weedy creeks, swamps and tributaries.
Aquarium size
72" x 36" x 48" (180cm x 90cm x 120cm) - 2040 litres bare minimum for a single fish, but be prepared to upgrade as it grows. Something truly enormous would be …
Maintenance
Water movement in the aquarium should be kept to a minimum. The species is unfussy with regards to decor, but likes somewhere to hide. Some cover can be provid…
Water conditions
Temperature: 23 – 28 °C pH: 5.5-7.0 Hardness: 1-12°H
Diet
Carnivorous and is easily weaned onto dead food in captivity. Large earthworms, whitebait, trout etc. can all be offered. Juveniles will take prawn, mussel etc…
Behaviour and compatibility
Best kept singly and alone. Don't even think about keeping any other species in the same tank as it's a voracious predator and is capable of killing fish that …
Sexual dimorphism
Unknown.
Reproduction
It's not been bred in captivity. Apparently the eggs are deposited in a nest built by the male, using his saliva!
Notes
One of the most notorious fish in the world, the electric eel is a truly fascinating species. Its vital organs are contained in the front portion of the body, …
References
References
No references