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How do electric eels use low-voltage electrical pulses in murky water?
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eel
The American eel (Anguilla rostrata) is found in habitats along the coast of eastern North America.
Electric eels utilize low-voltage electrical pulses primarily for navigation and communication in murky water. These pulses are generated by an organ located in the rear quarter of the eel's body known as Sach’s organ.1
While the eel's main and Hunter’s organs are responsible for producing high-voltage shocks to stun prey or deter predators, Sach’s organ functions differently. By emitting these lower-voltage signals, the eel can sense its surroundings and interact with its environment even when visibility is poor. This capability is a specialized adaptation of bioelectricity, where the electric current produced by the eel's electrocytes is harnessed for sensory purposes rather than just for defense or hunting.12