Malapterurus electricus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Malapterurus electricus |
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The Electric Catfish (Malapterurus electricus) is a unique fish. It has a thick body and six whiskers, called barbels, around its mouth. It's usually brownish or grayish with black spots. This amazing fish can grow quite large, up to 1.2 metres (3 ft 11 in) (about 4 feet) long and weigh up to 23 kilograms (51 lb) (about 50 pounds)! What makes it special is its ability to create powerful electric shocks, up to 450 volts. It uses this electricity to protect itself and to catch its food.
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Where the Electric Catfish Lives
The Electric Catfish lives in many parts of Africa. You can find it in the Nile River and other warm, tropical waters. It also lives in big lakes like Lake Turkana and Lake Chad, and in rivers like the Senegal River.
How the Electric Catfish Lives
Electric Catfish like to live among rocks in calm water. They are most active at night. They hunt for other fish, which they stun with electric shocks before eating them. Their special electric organ can create shocks of 300 to 400 volts. This organ is made from their pectoral muscles and wraps around almost their entire body. They use it both to catch prey and to defend themselves from danger.
Electric Catfish Through History
This type of catfish has been around for a very long time. It is believed that doctors in ancient Egypt used shocks from the Electric Catfish to help people with pain, like from arthritis. Some people still use this method today in certain areas. The Electric Catfish is even shown in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics on tomb walls from about 5,000 years ago!
Electric Catfish and People
In some parts of Africa, people eat the Electric Catfish as food. Because it's a food fish, you can also sometimes find Malapterurus electricus in pet stores. People keep them as interesting aquarium fish.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
In their natural homes, Electric Catfish form pairs. They lay their eggs in special holes or cavities they dig. It's thought that the male fish might keep the eggs in his mouth to protect them. Scientists are still learning how the baby catfish are safe from the electric shocks their parents can make!
Keeping an Electric Catfish as a Pet
You might see Electric Catfish for sale in aquarium stores. While they can grow very large in the wild, they usually stay around 12 inches (30 cm) (about 30 cm) when kept in an aquarium. They are quite tough and will eat most kinds of fish food, though you might need to try a few different types to find what they like best.
It's important to know that Electric Catfish are usually only compatible with snails in an aquarium. They will ignore snails but might try to eat or shock other fish. You will need a large aquarium, at least 55 US gallons (210 L; 46 imp gal) (about 208 liters). Make sure to add places for them to hide, like bogwood or PVC pipes. They love to dig and will often move the gravel from under their favorite hiding spots. The water temperature should be at least 75 °F (24 °C) (about 24°C).
It's also important to know that in Florida, USA, it is against the law to own any type of electric catfish, whether for fun or for business.
