C. David De Santana (IMAGE) Smithsonian Caption South American rivers are home to at least three different species of electric eels, including a newly identified species capable of generating a greater electrical discharge than any other known animal, according to a new analysis published in the Sept. 10, 2019 issue of the journal Nature Communications. The identification of two new species of electric eel highlights how much remains to be discovered within the Amazon rainforest--one of Earth's biodiversity hotspots--as well as the importance of protecting and preserving this threatened environment, says study leader C. David de Santana (pictured above), a research associate in the museum's division of fishes. "These fish grow to be seven to eight feet long. They're really conspicuous," he says. "If you can discover a new eight-foot-long fish after 250 years of scientific exploration, can you imagine what remains to be discovered in that region?" Credit E. Kauano Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.