The electric eel—which is not a true eel, but rather a South American knifefish—can generate pulses of electricity it pushes through water to shock prey and defend itself. The ability of animals to produce electricity is known as bioelectrogenesis. Other species known to possess this ability include certain catfish, stargazers and rays. The electric eel, however, generates the biggest voltage—around 650 volts.
In the study, Santana and colleagues looked at the morphology of the electric eels collected, performed an analysis of their DNA and examined their geographical and ecological distributions.
Findings revealed not one but three distinct species of eel, which they have named Electrophorus electricus, Electrophorus varii and Electrophorus voltai. The latter was found to produce the biggest shock of all, reaching 850 volts. This is the biggest discharge produced by any bioelectrogenetic animal ever recorded. Each species was found to have individualized skulls, pectoral fins and arrangement of pores across its body.
In a statement, Santana said the discovery of the new species could provide an insight into a new system for electrogenesis—when it was discovered, the electric eel helped inspire the design of the first-ever battery. “It could really have different enzymes, different compounds that could be used in medicine or could inspire new technology,” he said.
“These fish grow to be seven to eight feet long. They’re really conspicuous. If you can discover a new eight-foot-long fish after 250 years of scientific exploration, can you imagine what remains to be discovered in that region?”
