Electric eels power Christmas tree at Tokyo aquarium

The Yomiuri Shimbun

Electric eels can be seen generating enough power to light up a Christmas tree at the Shinagawa Aquarium in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo. Electric eels, which live in the Amazon River in South America, can produce about 800 volts to stun prey. Every day around noon, when an aquarist feeds the two 1-meter long electric eels on display, the fish will discharge an electric shock, lighting up the Christmas tree near the exhibit. In addition to the eel-powered tree, other seasonal attractions include Christmas decorations in the underwater tunnel and holiday-themed dolphin and sea lion shows. The holiday events will continue through Dec. 25 at the aquarium, which is closed on Tuesdays.