Electric eels do not electrify themselves, because their discharge organs are on both sides of their bodies, and their skin and important organs are surrounded by highly insulating structures, which are like a big battery in water. In addition, when the electric eel discharges, it will pass by a channel with the smallest resistance, and the current is transmitted through the water flow, so the electric eel will not electrify itself when discharging.

However, when electric eels are exposed to air, the resistance in the air will be greater than that of their bodies. At this time, if they discharge again, they may electrify themselves. In addition, after the discharge parts on both sides of the electric eel are injured, when they discharge, they are like two bare wires, which is prone to short circuit and will also endanger the health of the electric eel itself.

The electric eel usually discharges at 350 volts, but it is also recorded that the electric eel discharges at 650 volts. In addition, the highest voltage of American electric eel can reach more than 800 volts. Electric eel belongs to freshwater fish with the strongest discharge ability, and also has the title of "high voltage line" in water. It is very likely that the electric eel will electrocute a cow in an instant. There are also records that the electric eel directly electrocuted a crocodile about 1 meter long.