Electrophoridae

A Dictionary of Zoology | 1999 | 511 words | Copyright

Electrophoridae (electric eel; subclass Actinopterygii, order Cypriniformes) A monospecific family (Electrophorus electricus, electric eel) which has an elongate, eel-like body with a long anal fin confluent with the tail fin. There are no scales, and the dorsal fin is absent. The long tail region contains the specialized muscles that form the electric organ, which is capable of producing about 600 volts per discharge. It is found only in the Amazon and Orinoco rivers of S. America. See also ELECTRIC FISH.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "Electrophoridae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "Electrophoridae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-Electrophoridae.html

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