Why do electric eels produce strong shocks?

Electric eels generate electricity with specialized cells called electrocytes arranged in series like a biological battery. These discharges help them stun fish, deter predators, and in some cases sense their environment in muddy or dark water. A single electric eel can produce a high-voltage shock, with some species capable of roughly 600 volts under ideal conditions. The electric organ is made of modified muscle tissue, not a separate electrical device. This adaptation gives the fish a remarkable advantage in South American freshwater habitats where visibility can be poor.