Electric Eel - in Zoos and Private Collections

In Zoos and Private Collections

These fish have always been sought after by some animal collectors, but catching one is difficult, as the only option is usually to make the eels tire by continually discharging electricity. The fish's electric organs will eventually become completely discharged, allowing the collector to wade into the water in comparative safety.

Keeping electric eels in captivity is difficult and mostly limited to zoos and aquariums, although a few hobbyists have kept them as pets. An electric eel requires an aquarium of at least 750 l (200 gal). It generally must be kept in the tank by itself, although adult electric eels generally tolerate one another. Young eels will often fight if placed in the same aquarium. Electric eels cannot be kept with any other fish, as they will attack them.

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