Here is some truly shocking news: Scientists have discovered the secrets behind electric fish, using genetic studies that revealed how these exotic creatures developed an organ that can unleash a wicked jolt.
Researchers on Thursday unveiled a genetic blueprint of the electric eel — a fearsome denizen of South America that can zap you with an electric field of up to 600 volts — as well as detailed genetic data on two other types of electric fish.
Even though six groups of electric fish have evolved independently in far-flung locales like the muddy waters of the Amazon and murky marine environments, they all seem to have reached into the same "genetic toolbox" to fashion their electricity-generating organ, they said.