The Electric Catfish is an immediately interesting fish due to its ability to generate a rather potent electrical shock, which is used to stun prey items, and deter predators in the wild. The electric shock varies based upon the size of the fish, with small juveniles generating nothing worse than a mild sting, and adults capable of doing serious harm to even human beings. Care should always be taken when working in an aquarium containing this fish, as the electric shock can cause serious health risk to an aquarist, even that of a small juvenile. More than one aquarist has been knocked flat by carelessly touching even a small Electric Cat.
Malapterurus electricus reaches a rather large size, though individuals in the aquarium seldom exceed 24-36". These fish are primarily nocturnal, and will spend much of their day hiding inside of a large hollow pipe, cave, or other structure. They often learn to recognise their owner (or whomever feeds them anyhow), and will beg for food. While feeder fish may be used, these run the risk of introducing parasites or other disease organisms to the tank, and should be avoided. Large, meaty pellets, strips of marine fish, and Chihuahuas make excellent feeder items.
The Electric Catfish should be kept in a tank by itself. Not only are other fish at risk of being eaten, but the Electric Cat patrols the tank at night, and often randomly discharges. Tankmates may be somewhat inconvenienced by this. Multiple electric catfish in the same tank will eventually shock and harm each other, resulting in only one remaining. This is a very specialised fish, for those aquarists who are willing to dedicate a large aquarium (with at least a 48x24" footprint, preferably much large) to a single fish that seldom emerges.
A number of other species of Electric Catfish sometimes appear in the trade, often mixed with Malapterurus electricus. These include other members of the genus, as well as Paradoxoglanis. These fish are superficially quite similar to Malapterurus electricus, though they may reach much smaller sizes (with some members of Paradoxoglanis topping out at only about 6".) While we sometimes have these fish available, we cannot guarantee species.