Story perspectives

Electric Eels Generate 800-Volt Shocks via Stacked Cells

4/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Electric eels (genus Electrophorus) can discharge up to 800 volts, enough to stun prey.
Thousands of electrocytes each generate roughly 0.1 volt and are stacked in series to achieve that voltage.
Parallel stacks increase current, producing millisecond pulses comparable to a capacitor discharge, triggered by the nervous system.
ATP-driven ion pumps restore the gradient while internal resistance and discharge geometry protect the brain and heart from self-electrocution.

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Story summary

Electric eels (genus Electrophorus) can discharge up to 800 volts, enough to stun prey.
Thousands of electrocytes each generate roughly 0.1 volt and are stacked in series to achieve that voltage.
Parallel stacks increase current, producing millisecond pulses comparable to a capacitor discharge, triggered by the nervous system.
ATP-driven ion pumps restore the gradient while internal resistance and discharge geometry protect the brain and heart from self-electrocution.