The discharge organs of the electric eel are on both sides of the body, and most of its body or important organs are covered by a highly insulating structure, which acts like a big battery in the water. Electric current passes through the path with the smallest resistance, so when a discharge occurs in water, the current will pass through the water (the resistance is smaller than the electric eel's body), and the electric eel will not electrocute itself.

But if the electric eel is caught in the air, because the resistance of the air is greater than the resistance of its body, it will be electrocuted when it discharges. In addition, if the electric eel is injured and the insulators on both sides are damaged at the same time, a short circuit will occur like two exposed wires during discharge. Extended information

The intensity of the current and the voltage released by the electric eel mainly depend on its body size. When the electric eel is less than 1 meter, the voltage and current will increase as its body grows. When most electric eels grow to more than 1 meter, the voltage basically stops changing, and all that changes is the intensity of the current.

Of course, the electric eel's electric current will only become stronger and stronger as it grows. After all, there are more and more "discharge components" on its body. An adult American electric eel can discharge enough electricity at once to electrocute a cow. In addition, it can discharge 20 South American mermaids at once from three meters away.

When the head and tail of the electric eel touch an enemy or are stimulated, a powerful electric current can occur. The discharge of electric eels is mainly due to the need for survival. Because electric eels need to capture other fish and aquatic creatures, electric discharge is a means of obtaining prey. The electricity it releases can easily kill animals smaller than it, and sometimes even larger animals. For example, horses wading in the river and cattle swimming will also be knocked unconscious by electric eels.

Electric eel meat is delicious and nutritious. Although it can release powerful currents, after the indigenous people of South America used electric eels to continuously discharge electricity, they needed a period of rest and abundant food before they could restore the original discharge intensity characteristics. First, they drove a group of cattle and horses away. Go down into the river and cause the electric eel to be irritated and discharge continuously. When the electric eel is exhausted after discharge, you can capture it directly.

Reference: Baidu Encyclopedia - Electric Eel