Africa’s freshwater electric catfish (Malapterurus electricus) can discharge up to 350 volts from an electric organ surrounding its body. Like the electric eel, it uses this high-voltage jolt to stun prey as well as to deter would-be attackers. Interestingly, this species is also very sensitive to the Earth’s magnetic field. In captivity, it responds to magnetic currents generated several hours before an impending earthquake. Malapteruridae is the only group of catfish with a well-developed electrogenic organ; however,electroreceptive systems are widespread in catfishes.
Electroreceptive systems however are wide spread in catfishes. The electrogenic organ is derived from anterior body musculature and lines of the body cavity. Electric catfish do not have have dorsal fins or fin spines. They have three pairs of barbells. They can grow as large as 100 centimeters{39 inches}and about {44lbs}in weight. Most malapterurids are dwarf species less then {12 inches}All paradoxoglanis species are much smaller. Body is cylindrical and wide and short snout-grayish brown with black spots that turn white or cream as it matures. The lips are thick,eyes are small and nostrils are spread far apart. Males are thinner then females.”They look like an uncooked sausage”
They live in rocks or roots in dark freshwater lakes and rivers. As its common name suggests, the Electric Catfish has the ability to shock and stun its enemies. The electric organ of the fish is present on the whole body, giving the fish the ability to efficiently shock its prey or larger predators. Each charge weakens the electric ability of the fish until it has adequate time to rest and “recharge”.
The genus Malapterurus is found throughout western and central tropical Africa and the Nile River. They occur in all major freshwater systems including the Buzi Niger, Ogooué, Omo, Sanaga, Sabi-Lundi, Senegal, Shari, Zaïre and Zambezi River basins,as well as Lakes Albert, Chad, Kainji, Tanganyika and Turkana.
