Facts & Quotes™💡

​​How do Electric Eels generate Electricity? Electric eels are a type of fish that are capable of generating electrical shocks to stun prey and defend themselves from predators. The electric shock is produced by specialized cells called electrocytes, which are stacked together in organs called electroplax. When an electric eel wants to generate an electrical shock, it first takes a gulp of air, which is used to oxygenate the electrocytes. The electric eel then discharges a series of electrical pulses that cause the electrocytes to release their stored electrical charge. The electrical discharge from an electric eel can be quite powerful, with some species capable of producing shocks of up to 600 volts. This is enough to stun or even kill small prey, and can also be used to deter predators. The electrocytes in an electric eel work by using a process called electrogenesis. This involves the movement of ions, or charged particles, across the cell membrane, which creates an electrical potential difference between the inside and outside of the cell. When the electrocytes are activated, they release this stored electrical charge in a burst of energy.