Title: Eels: The Electric Wonders of the Swamp

1. What are they?
   • Eels are elongated fish that inhabit both freshwater and saltwater environments. They are known for their snake-like bodies and, in some cases, their ability to produce electric shocks.
2. Scientific Name
   • Electrophorus electricus (Electric Eel)
3. Parts of the World it Can be Found
   • Electric eels are found in the freshwater rivers and basins of South America, particularly in the Amazon and Orinoco basins.
4. What Colors They Are
   • Electric eels are typically dark gray or brown, with lighter undersides. Their elongated bodies are covered with smooth, scaleless skin.
5. What They Eat
   • Electric eels are carnivorous and feed on fish, amphibians, birds, and small mammals. They use their electric shocks to stun prey before consuming it.
6. Where They Sleep
   • Eels often rest in hidden crevices or burrows in the mud or under rocks and vegetation. They require still or slow-moving waters to thrive.
7. How Old They Typically Live Until
   • Electric eels can live up to 15 years in the wild, with some individuals reaching up to 20 years in captivity.
8. Their Role in the Ecosystem
   • Eels help control populations of smaller fish and invertebrates, maintaining a balance in the aquatic ecosystem. Their burrowing behavior also helps aerate the sediment.
9. Other Interesting Facts About Them
   • Electric eels can generate electric shocks of up to 600 volts, which they use for hunting and self-defense.
   • Despite their name, electric eels are not true eels but are more closely related to catfish.