Electric eels have two main uses for their electrical discharges: defense and hunting. They also use weak electric currents to communicate and search for prey. Among the known species of electric eel, the maximum voltage they can release is 860 volts.
The electrical current from an electric eel is capable of stunning or even killing many animals, including large ones. In 1807, Alexander von Humboldt drove around 30 horses and mules into a pool filled with electric eels, and two horses died within 5 minutes.
Now, here comes the question: can an electric eel electrocute itself with its own electricity?
In reality, whether an electric eel discharges its own electricity or is discharged by another electric eel, the current always flow through the water next to the electric eel. Therefore, it does not make any difference who discharges the electricity. Over time, the surface of the electric eel has developed an insulating layer that can resist the current in the water. Hence, under normal circumstances, electric eels will not be electrocuted by their own electricity.
However, there are some exceptions. If an electric eel is injured or a very young electric eel confronts an adult high-voltage electric eel, the former is in danger of being injured or even killed. In these situations, an electric eel can still be threatened by its own electricity.
Can Electric Eels Electrocute Themselves with Their Own Electricity?
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