Electric fish is any of several fishes with special muscles that can generate an electric current. Electric fishes give off strong electric shocks to protect themselves from other animals and to stun or kill prey. They also discharge weaker electric currents to detect animals and objects in the muddy waters where they live. The electric eel of South America gives the most powerful electric shock. It can produce enough electricity to stun a human being. An electric catfish lives in the rivers of tropical Africa. See also Electric eel; Electric ray.
