Did you know that electric eels are not actually eels at all?
They're a specific kind of 'knifefish' that lives mainly in bodies of fresh water in South America, such as the Amazon River. Electric eels are more closely related to catfish than true eels.
And that's just the beginning when it comes to fun facts about these slippery creatures.
They have long bodies (up to six feet long) shaped like a cylinder, and they can weigh up to 20kg.
Also intriguing is the fact that, unlike many fish, electric eels breathe air. They regularly rise to the surface every 10 minutes or so to take a breath before heading back underwater.
But...are electric eels really "electric"?
RTÉ has teamed up with ESB Science Blast to investigate the science behind some curious questions. We asked primary schools across Ireland to pose awe-inspiring questions about the world around them and enlisted the help of our trusted friends, Zig & Zag, to find some answers.
This week's question was posed by Scoil Mocheallóg in Limerick.
Check out the answer here:
All science begins by asking questions and then seeking answers. ESB Science Blast, delivered by the RDS, is a programme for primary school classes from 3rd to 6th that invites children to investigate the science behind a simple question that interests and excites them, before presenting their findings at one of three showcase events across the country.
While the showcase events unfortunately can’t take place this year, ESB Science Blast TV will be coming to classrooms across Ireland in April. Science surrounds us everywhere, everyday. You just need to look around you and ask "why?" If you want to explore the science behind all of your "why’s" – find out how your school can get involved at www.esbscienceblast.com
