The electric eel (Electrophorus electricus) is an electric fish, and the only species in that genus. They are capable of generating powerful electric shocks of up to 600 volts, which they use for hunting, self-defense, and communicating with fellow eels. Despite the name, it is not an eel, but rather a knifefish.n the electric eel, some 5,000 to 6,000 stacked electroplaques are capable of producing a shock at up to 600 volts and 1 ampere of current (600 watts) for a duration of two milliseconds.