Gymnotiformes |
Black ghost knifefish,
Apteronotus albifrons
|
Scientific classification |
|
Families |
Apteronotidae (ghost knifefishes)
Eigenmanniidae (obsolete?)
Gymnotidae
(naked-back knifefishes and electric eels)
Hypopomidae
Rhamphichthyidae
Sternopygidae
|
The Gymnotiformes is a lineage of
ostariophysan teleost electric fishes. They are primarily
freshwater inhabitants and have organs adapted to the
generation of electric fields. All gymnotiform species generate weak
(<1 V) electric fields, using them for navigation and
communication. The electric discharge is continuous, being
generated day and night throughout the entire life of the
individual.
Certain aspects of the electric signal are unique to each
species. The best-known species is the
electric eel (Electrophorus electricus) which uses powerful
electric shocks (up to 600 V) for hunting and self-defense.
Other species familiar in the aquarium trade are: the black
ghost ("Apteronotus albifrons"), the glass
knifefish ("Eigenmannia virescens"), and the tiger knifefish
"Gymnotus carapo").
Common names found in the literature include the
Neotropical electric fishes, 'South American electric
fishes, or American knifefishes. Gymnotiform fishes
inhabit freshwater rivers and streams throughout the humid
Neotropics, ranging from Guatemala to Northern Argentina.
There are currently about 185 known species, of which 50 or
so are yet to be formally described. The actual number of
species in the wild is unknown.
See also
External links