AnimalsThe electric eel is not a true eel but a kind of knifefish. Special organs along its body make strong electric shocks, which it uses to stun prey and to defend itself. It must come to the surface to breathe air.
Quick facts
- Scientific name
- Electrophorus electricus
- Group
- Fish
- Diet
- Carnivore (eats other animals)
- Lives in
- South America
- Habitat
- Muddy rivers and swamps
- A young one is called
- fry
- A group is called
- swarm
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
How it is classified
Scientists sort living things into groups within groups. Reading down, each step is a smaller group, ending with the species itself.
- Kingdom Animalia
- Phylum Chordata
- Class Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
- Order Gymnotiformes
- Family Gymnotidae
- Genus Electrophorus
- Species Electrophorus electricus
Classification follows the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Other reference works arrange some groups differently. How classification works.
Is it in danger?
The electric eel is listed as Least Concern. The species is widespread or numerous enough that it is not considered at risk of extinction at present.
This is the IUCN Red List category as recorded in Wikidata on 11 November 2026. The IUCN Red List itself is the authority and may carry a newer assessment. What the categories mean.