Electric eel - Wikipedia
Despite their name, electric eels are not closely related to the true eels (Anguilliformes) but are members of the electroreceptive knifefish order Gymnotiformes. This order is more closely related to catfish.
The Difference Between Electric Eels and True Eels
Jul 9, 2019 · Despite its name, the electric eel is a knifefish, not an eel. It is a member of the order Gymnotiformes and is more related to carp and catfish. It got its name from its eel-shaped body, …
12 Shocking Electric Eel Facts - Fact Animal
Despite their name, electric eels are not actually eels at all. They are actually freshwater fish. True eels belong to the taxonomic order Anguilliformes, and are only distantly related to their electric …
How do electric eels work? - Natural History Museum
Electric eels are long, cylindrical fish with flattened heads. Though they’re commonly called eels, they’re not Anguilliformes, which are ‘true’ eels. Instead, electric eels belong to the order Gymnotiformes, …
Electrophorus electricus (Electric eel) | INFORMATION | Animal ...
Electric eels are not really eels, they are actually ostariophysians, but have a strong physical resemblance to true eels. The body is long and snake-like, lacking caudal, dorsal and pelvic fins.
17 Cool Facts About the Electric Eel - Animals Around The Globe
Nov 5, 2025 · Here’s a shocker that might leave you stunned – electric eels aren’t eels at all! These incredible creatures are actually a type of knifefish, more closely related to catfish and carp than to …
10 Slippery Electric Eel Facts About the Aquatic Shocker - TRVST
Electric eels aren't eels, technically. It is a common misconception that electric eels are eels. Despite their physical resemblance to true eels, they are more like electric fish. These freshwater fish belong …
Electric Eel Fish Facts - Electrophorus electricus - A-Z Animals
Aug 10, 2025 · Known as the “numb fish” in some parts of the world, the electric eel isn’t a true eel. This freshwater fish resides predominantly in the Amazon. The bony body of the fish keeps it from offering …
Electric Eel: Unveiling Nature's Electrifying Marvel
Despite their name, electric eels are not true eels but part of the knifefish family. Scientifically known as Electrophorus electricus, these fish are renowned for their ability to generate powerful electric shocks.
Electric Eel - National Geographic Kids
Despite their appearance, electric eels aren’t actually eels at all! They are more closely related to carp and catfish. The shock of an electric eel has been known to knock a horse off its feet....