Animals fact: Electric eels' adaptation to their own electric organ discharge on crocodile predators
4Can discharge electricity to make crocodiles run Why don't electric eels die from shock?
Have you ever wondered why electric eels don't die from their own shock? It's a curious question, isn't it? These enigmatic creatures, which are not real eels by the way, hail from the northern regions of South America, predominantly the Amazon and Orinoco river basins, even Peru. Fully grown, they can reach lengths of up to 8 feet and weigh around 44 pounds. Their most distinctive feature, however, is their ability to generate a shock that can reach a staggering 1,000 volts. That's enough to give a crocodile second thoughts. Despite discharging this electricity in river water, an excellent conductor, these eels somehow manage to avoid shocking themselves to death. So the question stands, how do electric eels protect themselves from their own potent discharge? Intriguing, isn't it? Now let's dive deeper into the internal structure of these fascinating creatures.
Electric eels have a unique internal structure that allows them to generate electricity. The key lies in their body parts, which can be divided into two main categories, internal organs and electricity-generating organs. The internal organs, including the heart and liver, are compactly housed in a small space near the head. In contrast, a staggering 80% of the eel's body is devoted entirely to its electricity-generating organs. These organs are spread along the length of the body, comprising three parts, the main electrical part, the positioning part, and the discharge part. This perfect coordination gives the electric eel a unique ability, emitting two types of electricity. The low-voltage current helps them orient and probe their environment due to their poor vision. The high-voltage current, on the other hand, is their weapon to attack enemies or hunt prey. It's quite a marvel of nature, isn't it? But the question remains, how do they avoid electrocuting themselves?
The truth about why electric eels don't die from their own shock is quite surprising. Let's break it down into three main reasons. First, their unique body structure. The possibility of the electric current passing through and damaging vital parts is minimal due to the layout of their internal organs. The electric current is released almost directly into the environment, not circulating in the body for too long. Secondly, the duration of the electric current is incredibly short. It's not long enough to kill a large creature like an electric eel. The larger the fish, the stronger the discharge. Nature has cleverly set the maximum voltage of each electric eel so it can't easily electrocute itself. And finally, they possess a special instinct to reduce danger. By bending their bodies in certain ways, they can avoid the shock, further minimizing the risk. So there you have it. The fascinating journey of understanding why electric eels don't die from their own shock. Remember, nature is full of surprises.
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