LIKE humans, animals also produce electricity as excitatory impulses in their bodies to respond to stimuli, move, hunt prey, fight predators, or even navigate. In general, the electric current produced is very weak, but there are some animals that have been given the privilege of being able to produce very strong electric currents by God Almighty.
Which animals are capable of producing strong electric currents? Read the following information carefully as quoted from the Natural Sciences/Ministry of Education and Culture book for SMP/MTs Class IX Semester 1 written by Siti Zubaidah et al.
The elephant trunk fish has a long mouth that resembles the shape of an elephant’s trunk. This fish is equipped with a special organ, which is composed of thousands of electroplax cells in the tail which are capable of producing high voltage static electricity.
Electroplax cells are cells that produce a negative charge on the inside and a positive charge on the outside when the elephant’s proboscis fish is resting. An electric current will appear when the fish’s muscles contract and at the same time the fish is able to detect the presence of predators and prey.
Electric stingrays are able to control the electrical voltage in their bodies. Both sides of the electric stingray’s head are capable of producing electricity of up to 220 volts. This voltage is the same as the electric voltage at home.
Hammerhead sharks have hundreds of thousands of electroreceptors or cells that receive electrical stimulation. Hammerhead sharks are capable of receiving electrical signals of up to half a billion volts.
The common hammerhead shark uses the ability to detect electrical signals to locate prey under the sand, avoid the presence of predators, and to detect ocean currents that move according to the earth’s magnetic field.
Echidna has an elongated snout which functions as a transmitter of electrical signals to find insects (prey). The echidna’s electroreceptors are constantly moistened to make it easier to conduct electricity.
This is why most animals that have electroreceptor systems come from waters.
Research shows that electric eels can deliver shocks non-stop for an hour. It is believed that the large amount of electrical energy produced can cause death in adult humans.
This freshwater catfish, which originates from tropical waters in Africa, has the ability to produce electricity of up to 350 volts. The amount of energy produced by electric catfish is the same as the electrical energy needed to turn on a computer for 45 minutes. (Z-2)
#ElectricityProducing #Animals
**Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, Marine Biologist and Expert on Electric Animals**
**Editor**: Welcome, Dr. Carter! Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of animals that produce electricity. What can you tell us about the electric eel and its electric capabilities?
**Dr. Carter**: Thank you for having me! The electric eel is one of the most remarkable creatures in terms of electroreception and electric production. It can generate a shocking voltage of up to 600 volts, which it uses for navigation, hunting, and self-defense.
**Editor**: That’s incredible! How does the electric eel generate such high voltage?
**Dr. Carter**: The electric eel has specialized cells called electrocytes. These cells are stacked like batteries in its body. When the eel wants to deliver a shock, its nervous system sends a signal to these electrocytes, which then discharge simultaneously, creating a powerful electric current.
**Editor**: Along with electric eels, you’ve mentioned other electric-producing animals like the elephant trunk fish and electric stingrays. How do their electric systems compare?
**Dr. Carter**: Absolutely! The elephant trunk fish generates static electricity through electroplax cells in its tail, but its voltage is much lower compared to the electric eel. On the other hand, electric stingrays can produce about 220 volts, similar to household electricity. Each species has adapted its electric capabilities for different ecological roles—be it hunting or evasion.
**Editor**: That’s fascinating! I also read about hammerhead sharks having electroreceptors. How does their ability differ from that of electric-producing animals?
**Dr. Carter**: Great question! Hammerhead sharks don’t produce electricity; instead, they have highly developed electroreceptors that allow them to detect electric fields in the water. This ability helps them locate prey, even if it’s hidden under the sand. Their electroreception is extremely sensitive, enabling them to sense tiny electric signals emitted by other creatures.
**Editor**: It’s amazing how these animals have evolved specialized adaptations for survival. Are there any implications of studying these electric-producing animals for technology or medicine?
**Dr. Carter**: Definitely! Understanding how these animals generate electricity and how their nervous systems operate can lead to advancements in bioengineering, such as the development of new devices for electric shock therapy or even new materials that mimic their biological systems. There’s a lot to learn from these creatures!
**Editor**: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing your insights on these intriguing electric animals. It’s clear that nature has designed some extraordinary adaptations!
**Dr. Carter**: Thank you for the opportunity! It’s always exciting to discuss these amazing creatures.
