Electricity, a seemingly modern innovation by humans, is, in fact, an intrinsic component of the natural world.
A debt of gratitude is owed to the electric eel for its role in the creation of artificial electricity. Speaking of this remarkable creature, there are various animals capable of generating and utilizing electrical power.
Astounding as it may appear, electricity existed in its natural form prior to its artificial utilization.
Although the electric eel stands out as the most prevalent electricity-utilizing animal, it is by no means the sole representative. Echidnas, electric rays, geckos, and even bees possess the ability to generate and employ electricity.
Prepare to be astonished as we unveil an astonishing compilation of 15 animals that actively produce and utilize electricity.
The Most Electrifying Animals in the World
1. Electric Eel
Electricity-Generating Catfish (Malapteruridae)
Scientific Name: Electrophorus
The electric eel naturally springs to mind when discussing electricity-generating animals due to its pivotal contribution to the development of the initial battery.
It belongs to the Electrophorus genus, encompassing all members of the Gymnotidae family.
Originating from South America, this aquatic creature inhabits highland rivers and various habitats.
There are three known species of electric eels, distinguished by their scientific names:
– Electrophorus electricus
– Electrophorus varii
– Electrophorus voltai
To capture prey, the electric eel employs electricity, delivering stunning shocks of up to 860 volts, capable of inflicting harm on humans. Nevertheless, fatalities resulting from electric eel shocks are uncommon.
2. Electric Ray
Electric Ray (Torpediniformes)
Scientific Name: Torpediniformes
Electric rays encompass a group of fish belonging to the Torpediniformes order. These cartilaginous fish possess prominent fins.
They inhabit shallow coastal waters, with some species preferring the ocean floor. In total, there are 69 electric ray species.
The Torpedo genus comprises the most common electric rays, including the common torpedo, ringed torpedo, and marbled electric ray.
All electric ray species generate electricity, administering shocks ranging from 8 to 220 volts, which they employ for stunning prey.
3. Echidna
Echidna (Tachyglossidae)
Scientific Name: Tachyglossidae
The term “echidna” refers to animals belonging to the Tachyglossidae family, commonly known as spiny anteaters.
Four species of echidna exist, notable for being egg-laying mammals. Only the platypus shares this distinctive trait. Echidnas are native to Australia and New Guinea.
While they may not be related to true anteaters, echidnas feed on insects. To locate their prey, they rely on electroreceptors, sensing the electric signals emitted by insects, facilitating their hunting endeavors.
4. Platypus
Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) Engaging in Subaqueous Feeding
Scientific Name: Ornithorhynchus anatinus
The platypus, closely related to the echidna, is among the few egg-laying mammals.
Belonging to the Ornithorhynchidae family, it represents the sole surviving species within its group. The platypus is endemic to Australia.
Similar to its echidna relative, the platypus employs electroreceptors situated on its snout to locate prey. These receptors detect electrical impulses, aiding the platypus in its search for worms, insect larvae, shrimps, and crayfish. Spending around 12 hours foraging, the platypus’s electroreceptors prove invaluable.
5. Bees
Cluster of Bees (Anthophila)
Scientific Name: Antophila
Bees, winged insects classified under the Anthophila clade within the Apoidea superfamily, are renowned for their pivotal role in pollination and honey production. While electricity may not be the first association with bees, they indeed harness its power.
With over 16,000 known bee species, notable representatives include the honeybee and bumblebee.
Electricity proves indispensable to bees during the pollination process. Instead of relying solely on external cues like fragrance or petals, bees detect the electric charges emitted by flowers. This enables them to determine whether a flower has been previously visited by another bee, aiding in their decision-making.
6. Stargazer
Stargazer (Uranoscopidae)
Scientific Name: Uranoscopidae
Stargazer serves as a common name for members of the Uranoscopidae family, aptly named due to the eyes located atop their heads.
These fish inhabit both shallow and deep sea waters worldwide. The family comprises eight genera and 51 species, one of which is now extinct.
Apart from facilitating vision, the stargazer’s eyes possess the remarkable ability to generate electricity. Through the release of electric currents, these eyes serve both as a predatory mechanism, incapacitating potential prey, and as a defense mechanism against approaching predators.
7. Geckos
Leopard Geckos
Wikimedia Commons
Scientific Name: Gekkota
Geckos, belonging to the Gekkota infraorder, are lizards that, despite their smaller stature compared to other reptilian species like chameleons, are formidable carnivorous hunters, preying on small insects such as mosquitoes and moths.
Geckos have a global distribution, inhabiting every continent except Antarctica.
These intriguing creatures rely on electricity to cling effortlessly to walls. The differing electrical charge between their feet and the surface they traverse ensures their steadfast grip.
8. Elephant Nose Fish
Elephant Nose Fish (Gnathonermus petersii)
Scientific Name: Gnathonermus petersii
Peters’s elephant nose fish, also known as the elephant nose fish or Ubangi mormyrid, belongs to the genus Gnathonermus.
Native to Africa, particularly the Nile River and Tropical Africa, this fish can be found in aquariums across the United States.
To locate prey, the elephant nose fish employs its elongated snout, capable of detecting electrical impulses emitted by potential targets. This attribute proves advantageous, particularly in dark environments. Its diet primarily consists of small worms and certain aquatic invertebrates.
9. Sharks
Close Up of Great White Shark Displaying Menacing Teeth
Scientific Name: Selachimorpha
Sharks require little introduction, given their widespread recognition. The term encompasses cartilaginous fish within the superorder Selachimorpha, ranging from the colossal whale shark to the diminutive dwarf lantern shark.
Sharks have acquired a reputation as menacing predators, yet not all species pose a threat to humans. A lesser-known fact is that sharks possess the ability to detect electrical fields emitted by their prey.
This unique attribute enables them to locate concealed or camouflaged prey in the depths of the ocean, thanks to specialized receptors known as ampullae of Lorenzini.
10. Spiders
Western Black Widow Spider (Lactrodectus hesperus) on Its Web
Scientific Name: Araneae
Spiders, belonging to the Araneae order, are arachnids recognized for their eight legs, web-spinning capabilities, and a superhero named after them.
However, not all spiders spin webs. Examples include the wolf spider and tarantula, which employ alternative hunting methods.
The intriguing connection between spiders and electricity lies within their webs. Web-spinning spiders utilize an “electrically conductive glue” on their webs, attracting charged particles such as pollen and insects. This electrically charged web aids in capturing prey.
11. Oriental Hornet
Oriental Hornet (Oriental Hornet)
Scientific Name: Vespa Orientalis
The oriental hornet hails from Africa and Asia. While Madagascar was once considered its sole habitat in Africa, its current distribution extends to parts of Southern Europe, Mexico, and Chile, despite not being native to the latter two.
Similar to solar panels, the oriental hornet harnesses electricity directly from the sun. It possesses yellow tissues that function as actual solar panels, absorbing sunlight. Additionally, brown tissues serve to store the converted electricity. The oriental hornet stands as the sole animal capable of converting sunlight into electricity.
12. Guiana Dolphins
Guiana Dolphin (Sotalia guianensis)
Scientific Name: Sotalia guianensis
The Guiana dolphin, native to Central and South America, specifically inhabits the northern and eastern regions of Central America, as well as the eastern coast of South America.
Thriving in both saltwater and freshwater environments, this marine mammal possesses a unique characteristic. When born, it possesses whiskers that eventually fall off, leaving behind vibrissal crypts. These pits enable the Guiana dolphin to detect electrical fields emitted by its prey, which mainly consists of shrimps, squids, and various small fish.
13. Black Ghost Knife Fish
Black Ghost Knife Fish (Apteronotus albifrons)
Scientific Name: Apteronotus albifrons
The black ghost knife fish belongs to the Apteronotidae family, commonly referred to as the ghost knife fish family.
Native to South America, specifically Venezuela and the Amazon Basin, this fish predominantly inhabits freshwater environments.
As its name suggests, the black ghost knife fish possesses a predominantly black coloration, with subtle touches of white on its tail, nose, and back.
Distinguishing itself from fish that solely receive electrical impulses from potential prey, the black ghost knife fish can both sense and generate electrical impulses. This ability is attributed to a specialized organ located in its tail. Although its electrical discharges do not stun prey, the black ghost knife fish employs them for communication purposes.
14. Electric Catfish
Electric Catfish (Malapteruridae)
Scientific Name: Malapteruridae
The electric catfish represents a diverse family, Malapteruridae, comprising two genera and 21 species.
These fish are indigenous to Africa, particularly the Nile River and various regions of Tropical Africa. While individual species may exhibit variations, one common trait unites them all: the generation of electricity.
As carnivorous creatures, electric catfish employ electricity to stun their prey, much like electric eels and other carnivorous fish capable of producing electricity. Delivering shocks of up to 350 volts, electric catfish pose a significant threat to their targeted prey, which can include fish and invertebrates alike.
15. Glass Knife Fish
Glass Knife Fish (Sternogypidae)
Scientific Name: Sternogypidae
The glass knife fish, also known as the rattail knife fish, refers to members of the Sternogypidae family.
These fish primarily inhabit Panama and various regions of South America, favoring freshwater environments. Many glass knife fish can be found in aquariums worldwide.
Employing electricity for a range of purposes, the glass knife fish relies on electrical impulses for communication, hunting, and navigation. This characteristic aligns it with the black ghost knife fish.
Conclusion
The animal kingdom never ceases to amaze with its diversity and unique attributes. From navigating their environments to adapting to survive, animals that harness electricity possess remarkable capabilities. These creatures generate and utilize electrical power for hunting, movement, and communication, offering a glimpse into the awe-inspiring wonders of the natural world.