New electric eel produces highest voltage

[Still Waters]

There are at least three species of electric eels (Electrophorus spp.), not just one as previously believed. Two new species have recently been described with São Paulo Research Foundation—FAPESP's support by a group of researchers affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution and National Geographic Society, among other institutions. One of the new species can discharge up to 860 volts, the strongest of any known animal.

Electric eels are naked-back knifefishes (Gymnotidae) and are more closely related to catfish and carp than to other eel families.

The study, published in Nature Communications, not only provides new knowledge about the animal more than 250 years after it was first described but also opens up new avenues of research into the origin and production of strong electric discharges in other fish species.

https://phys.org/news/2019-09-species-electric-eel-highest-voltage.html

[SHaYap]

Now if we can figure out how to fit twenty four of them into an electric vehicle battery... 

~

[Piney]

4 minutes ago, third_eye said:

Now if we can figure out how to fit twenty four of them into an electric vehicle battery... 

Fred Flintstone's hybrid? 

[pallidin]

This news is both electrifying and shocking. I'm stunned.

[Twisted_Caulk]

Everytime I hear about electric eels I get chilling flashbacks of the Dire Dire Docks water level from Mario 64.

[Stiff]

"the eel is capable of delivering a powerful electric shock of up to 850 volts for both offensive and defensive purposes.

For comparison, a hospital defibrillator usually delivers shocks of between 200 and 1,700 volts."

Not really much of a comparison is it? 

[Herr Falukorv]

Doesnt matter if its the same voltage.. Is it the same Ampere??

 

[pallidin]

23 hours ago, Herr Falukorv said:

Doesnt matter if its the same voltage.. Is it the same Ampere??

 

The amps will kill one, for sure, as you alluded to, but also be aware that high voltage can seriously disrupt the nervous system, even stopping the heart.

[Herr Falukorv]

1 minute ago, pallidin said:

The amps will kill one, for sure, as you alluded to, but also be aware that high voltage can seriously disrupt the nervous system, even stopping the heart.

I am very aware, I work as an electrician

[zygote]

Incredible creatures really. Another wonder of mother natures design. May they continue to live happily in their environs...

[Sir Smoke aLot]

On 9/11/2019 at 8:49 PM, Herr Falukorv said:

Doesnt matter if its the same voltage.. Is it the same Ampere??

 

Even those weaker eels could amount up to 1 amp in their discharge. This one might be up to 30% stronger. Luckily they are not ground animals lol

[Twas Brillig]

FYI, by comparison to the known species of electric eel which can deliver 650 volts.