Skip to main content

How do fish make electricity? - Eleanor Nelsen

3,425,270 Views

13,896 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

Nearly 350 species of fish have specialized anatomical structures that generate and detect electrical signals. Underwater, where light is scarce, electrical signals offer ways to communicate, navigate, find, and sometimes stun prey. But how do these fish produce electricity? And why? Eleanor Nelsen illuminates the science behind electric fish.

What is the function of the schnauzenorgan in the Peters' elephantnose fish?

Sign in to answer question

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Eleanor Nelsen
  • Director Franco Barroeta Fonseca
  • Script Editor Eleanor Nelsen
  • Producer Franco Barroeta Fonseca
  • Art Director Franco Barroeta Fonseca
  • Animator Vidal Barrera
  • Illustrator Vidal Barrera, Eduardo Sandoval
  • Sound Designer Christopher Bullé-Goyri
  • Associate Producer Elizabeth Cox, Jessica Ruby
  • Content Producer Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Narrator Julianna Zarzycki

More from Discovering the Deep