Electric Eel Used To Power Christmas Tree

by Justin Thomas on December 3, 2007

electric_eel_christmas_tree.jpgIn Japan,  there’s an aquarium with an electric eel in it. And the eel’s electrical power is being used to energize the lights on a Christmas tree. It’s clean energy right? Each time the electric eel at the Aqua Toto Gifu aquarium touches a copper wire in its tank, it sends power that lights up globes decking a Christmas tree.

Officials expect the “eel Christmas tree” to be a popular attraction for dating couples in the lead-up to Christmas Day, when the tree will be removed. There’s no word on whether the electric eel feels unduly drained by the whole scenario. Electric eels are capable of generating electricity in their bodies. They have notoriously poor eyesight and use electric shocks to stun prey so they can catch and eat them. Via Ecofriend and Mainichi Daily News.

If you enjoyed this article, get email updates (it's free):


Email Address:

{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

Zach February 28, 2008 at 9:29 pm

I wonder how efficient the energy capturing process is…

Reply

James Smith, João Pessoa, Brazil October 12, 2009 at 7:14 pm

My question is, “Is this a christian eel? Or is it being forced to assist in a mythical event for the religious cult currently (pun intended) as christianity?”

Watt’s up with this?

Reply

Leave a Comment