Electric eels produce powerful electric discharges to hunt and defend themselves. Their captivity welfare involves specific challenges related to their unusual physiology and the novelty value that drives poor exhibit design.
Electric eel welfare in captivity requires that air-breathing behaviour is unimpeded — tanks that prevent surface access cause asphyxiation. Their electrical discharge capability makes cleaning and maintenance potentially dangerous for keepers, which sometimes leads to inadequate tank maintenance. Exhibit design that prioritises demonstrating their electricity over providing appropriate habitat causes chronic stress. Their prey and environmental stimulation requirements are often inadequately addressed in public exhibits that treat them as novelties.