Gymnotiform (original) (raw)
| Gymnotiformes |
|---|
| Scientific classification |
| Kingdom:Animalia Phylum:Chordata Class:Actinopterygii Order:Gymnotiformes |
| Families |
| Apteronotidae (ghost knifefishes) Eigenmanniidae (obsolete?) Gymnotidae (naked-back knifefishes and electric eels) Hypopomidae Rhamphichthyidae Sternopygidae |
The gymnotiforms are an order (Gymnotiformes) of knifefishes that have electric organs. The best-known member is the electric eel (Electrophorus electricus), which uses powerful electric shocks for both hunting and self-defense, but other members of the order also generate electric fields, using them for locating food and breeding.