Electric Catfish

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Electric Catfish FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Where are electric catfish found?

Electric catfish are round throughout the freshwater lakes and rivers of Africa.

Can catfish electrocute you?

Yes, the shock is said to be painful, but no known person has ever died from an electrocution.

What size tank does an electric catfish need?

A full-grown electric catfish will probably reach somewhere between 1 and 3 feet long, although some specimens can reach up to 4 feet. The minimum tank size should be around 135 gallons with the temperature set between 74 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit, and the pH will need to range between 7.0 and 8.0. Catfish can do just fine on a diet of worms, shrimp, and krill, but make sure they are not overfed because they will eat anything offered to them. Bottom-feeding catfish will do some of the cleaning themselves, but nevertheless the tank will need some manual cleaning on a regular basis. Cleaning should be done with appropriate tools recommended by a professional. Obviously, because of its electrical ability, the catfish should be handled with care.

Does the electric catfish get along with any tank mates?

The electric catfish should never be housed with any live tank mates. These are highly territorial fish that could shock any tank mates to death.

How strong is an electric catfish?

The electric catfish is thought to deliver an electric shock up to 450 volts (although 350 volts seems to be a more typical number).

Can you eat an electric catfish?

Yes, the electric catfish is quite edible. It’s consumed throughout parts of Africa. Fortunately, a dead fish does not have the ability to shock.

Why is it called an electric catfish?

The name comes from the fact that it can deliver an electrical discharge.

What do electric catfish eat?

The diet mostly consists of smaller fish, invertebrates, and eggs.

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Sources

Britannica, Available here: https://www.britannica.com/animal/electric-catfish
Animal Diversity Web, Available here: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Malapterurus_electricus/
Sciencing, Available here: https://sciencing.com/a-catfish-reproduce-4829150.html
Badmans Tropical Fish, Available here: https://badmanstropicalfish.com/profiles/profile113.html