How Do Electric Eels Not Shock Themselves?

Electric eels (Electrophorus electricus) generate electricity using specialised cells called electrocytes, stacked like batteries in series along about 80% of their body length. A large eel can discharge up to 860 volts. The eel avoids shocking itself because the current follows the path of least resistance — through the surrounding water rather than through the eel's own body. Additionally, the eel's vital organs (heart, brain) are packed near the head and insulated by layers of connective tissue and fat. The electric organs are in the tail section. The discharge is also brief (about 2 milliseconds per pulse), limiting self-exposure.