Loading…
The electric catfish (Malapterurus electricus) — 'raad' (the thunderer) — can deliver a strong electric shock to stun prey and deter predators. Found in the Nile and Lake Nasser, it is a curiosity catch that Egyptian fishers handle with great care.
Usually a night bycatch on bait — only handle it once it's dead; a live one delivers a strong shock.
Nile, lakes, slow muddy water
Warm season; at night in still or slow muddy water near cover.
Strong outfit; handle with care — this catfish gives an electric shock.
A fish chunk legered on the in slow muddy water — but mind the electric shock when landing it.
Eating & safety
Eaten in Egypt, but it delivers strong electric shocks (up to ~350 V) when alive — never handle a live one bare-handed.
Stung or poisoned? First-aid steps →electric catfish (Malapterurus electricus) — 'the trembler', Lake Nasser fishers' name
source: WorldFish Lake Nasser report ↗Best conditions: Warm season; at night in still or slow muddy water near cover.
The electric catfish can generate shocks of over 350 volts. Ancient Egyptians depicted it on tomb walls over 4,000 years ago — one of the earliest records of an electric fish.