Electric eels are one of the few creatures in the world that can create electric currents on their own and you can see one in action at the Vancouver Aquarium. Watch as the electric eel lights up a tropical tree decorated with lanterns during Luminescence: a celebration of aquatic light.
Electric eels are able to unleash around 600 volts of electricity, five times the amount of the average Canadian socket. These aquatic batteries use electric currents to stun prey with a powerful zap. They also use electricity as radar to navigate the murky waters of the Amazon, which is crucial, since they have poor eyesight.
Aquarists at the Aquarium have set up two conducting poles in the electric eel’s habitat to harness the animal’s electric current to light the tree. Throughout the day, light dances through the tree’s lanterns as the eel discharges electric pulses.
Find out what other animals can light during Luminescence, which runs until January 22 at the Vancouver Aquarium.
Vancouver Aquarium’s Luminescence – A celebration of aquatic light
When: On until January 22, 2014
Where: Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park – 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Website: vanaqua.org
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