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Apteronotidae (ghost knifefishes) |
The gymnotiforms are an order (Gymnotiformes) of knifefishes that have organs adapted to the exploitation of bioelectricity. The best-known member is the electric eel (Electrophorus electricus), which uses powerful electric shocks for both hunting and self-defense, but other members of the order also generate electric fields, using them for locating food and breeding.
No common name has been consistently established for the whole order. Names found in the literature include the neotropical electric fish, American knifefish and simply the electric fish.