Order Siluriformes
Family Electric Catfishes ( Malapteruridae )
Large fish, whose neighborhood can only be tolerated by Synodontis catfishes and Mormyrids. Only juveniles and subadults get along in the same aquarium. The subcutaneous battery accounts for 25% of the total fish weight. Their electric shock is fatal to humans. They live up to 12 years.
Genus Malapterurus.
— Electric catfish — Malapterurus electricus [Gmelin, 1789]. Synonym: Silurus electricus. (Eng. Electric Catfish). Inhabits slow-flowing and standing freshwaters of West and Central Africa. 60 cm. The electric catfish has an elongated, smooth cylindrical body. There are two pairs of barbels on the lower jaw and one on the upper. The gill slit is very narrow, vomerine teeth are absent. Eyes are small, glowing in the dark. The adipose fin is well developed, the dorsal fin is absent.
Body coloration ranges from pink to dark beige with irregular black spots on the sides. The back is dark brown, sides are brownish, belly is yellowish. Numerous dark spots are scattered throughout the body. Pectoral, pelvic, and caudal fins have a dark base and a wide red-orange border. Juveniles of the electric catfish have a light stripe on the caudal peduncle. Sexual dimorphism is absent.
The electric catfish can emit electrical discharges using a special organ located ring-like around the entire body (which gives it considerable thickness and clumsiness). In cross-section, this organ appears to be composed of many hexagonal and rounded cells, and in longitudinal section, it consists of closely adjacent columns, perpendicular to the ribs of which thin plates are placed, separated from each other by a gelatinous substance. In their structure, these columns bear a strong resemblance to a voltaic pile (the number of such columns in the catfish reaches several hundred). Current impulses can reach 360 volts, but as a rule, they are less (it is difficult to measure the voltage accurately because the catfish tires and the power of its discharges drops rapidly).
A sluggish, bottom-dwelling, and predatory fish. If you have placed an electric catfish in a community aquarium, be prepared for it to be the sole master: no neighbors, even larger ones, can be added (therefore, a species tank is the ideal solution). Young fish can be kept together, but with age, they become less tolerant of tankmates. It is also undesirable to have more than one specimen (two males) in the aquarium, as at the slightest feeling of hunger they will fight until one of them dies. Keep in an aquarium of 250 liters or more (depending on the size of the catfish) with large stones, driftwood, ceramic pots, and no plants, as they will uproot them.
Catfishes are strong fish that like to rearrange the interior to their liking, so only large stones, ceramic items, and driftwood can serve as decoration. They are timid, and therefore it is necessary to create plenty of hiding places using roots and stones, and dim the lighting so they feel secure. Filtration (preferably a peat filter), aeration, and weekly water changes are necessary. Heaters must be well insulated, otherwise, the catfish may get burned by pressing against the body of the device.
If you put your hand in the water, you should not make sudden movements that provoke the catfish into active defense. Water is a good conductor of electricity, and the discharge of an adult catfish is a very effective weapon. It feeds on animal food: small fish, worms, finely chopped fresh meat, beef heart, shrimp. Prone to overeating. Malapterurus can produce clearly audible sounds. Hardness 8-12°; pH 6.6-7.0; T 25-27°C.
— Dwarf electric catfish — Malapterurus microstoma [Poll & Gosse, 1969]. (Eng. Dwarf Electric Catfish, Smallmouth Electric Catfish). Africa. The dorsal fin is absent, but the adipose fin is very well developed; pectoral fins have no spines. There are three pairs of barbels on the head: two on the lower jaw and one on the upper. The mouth is terminal. Eyes are small, very mobile, glowing with a golden sheen in reflected light. Adults reach 40 cm and can generate a discharge of up to 200 volts. Electricity is generated by a biological battery consisting of modified muscles located from the head to the base of the tail. The weapon is used for defense and attacking prey. It takes 10-15 minutes to accumulate energy for the next discharge.
It can make sounds, most often heard during feeding. These catfishes lead a sedentary lifestyle and rarely leave their established spot. There is a clear correlation between temperature and the feeding and motor activity of the fish. With a drop in water temperature, they become less active and vice versa. Predators that need to be kept separately. Low lighting is required. The catfish needs a varied diet [frozen fish, earthworms, large and small bloodworms, tubifex], but its favorite food is live fish. pH 6.0-7.0; dH 8-12°; T 23-30°C.
Genus Anaspidoglanis, Auchenoglanis, Chrysichthys, Lophiobagrus, Phyllonemus.
Erethistes jerdoni, Hara hara. 
