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.
