Electric Eel Makes Holiday Lights Twinkle At The Living Planet Aquarium

Sandy, UT (I-Newswire) December 16, 2011 - A Christmas display in the ‘Journey To South America’ gallery is blinking by using the energy generated by an electric eel in a nearby tank. “We took the voltage produced by the eel via stainless steel electrodes and used it to power a sequencer,” said Terry Smith, Project Manager at Cache Valley Electric. “The sequencer takes the voltage the eel produces and operates circuitry that flashes the lights, fast or slow, based on the level of voltage he puts out, “ said Smith. Each time the eel moves, the lights on the 5ft tall tree flash intermittently using 4 strands of holiday lights.

Electric eels live in the murky streams and ponds of the Amazon and Orinoco basins of South America. These famous freshwater predators get their name from the enormous electrical charge they can generate to stun prey and dissuade predators. Their bodies contain electric organs with about 6,000 specialized cells called electrocytes that store power like tiny batteries. When threatened or attacking prey, these cells will discharge simultaneously, emitting a burst of at least 600 volts, five times the power of a standard U.S. wall socket.

The aquarium in Sandy, just south of Salt Lake City, features the Electric eel as part of the permanent South American freshwater exhibit. "Visitors can visually and audibly experience the power of our Electric eel and get a real sense of how amazing this creature is," said Angie Hyde, Director of Public Relations & Marketing. “We thought we’d put a festive twist on it for the holidays which has been a huge hit with our members and visitors.”

The Electric eel display is made possible by Bill Carnell, Terry Smith, Jim Laub and Jody Jenkins of Cache Valley Electric, and will be available to visitors through December 31, 2011.

Check out the electric eel in action here: http://youtu.be/8oS9YuGIWMU

About The Living Planet Aquarium:
The Living Planet Aquarium is a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides the community with countless educational opportunities to understand and respect our precious Earth and its living ecosystems, from the Utah deserts and mountains, to rain forest habitats, to the planet’s vast oceans. The Living Planet Aquarium has become one of Utah´s most unique and popular attractions, and is definitely a must-see if you are planning a trip to Utah. Exhibits feature sharks, rays, seahorses and jellyfish as well as octopus, eels, piranha, a rescued Green sea turtle and Gentoo penguins! It is a unique opportunity for the many landlocked Utahans, particularly children, who have not previously had the chance to interact with such creatures.

General Information
Open every day of the year with the exception of Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Aquarium members receive unlimited admission, $5 off Penguin Encounters and 10% off gift shop items, stingray feedings and birthday parties.

Mission
The Living Planet Aquarium inspires people to explore, discover and learn about Earth's diverse ecosystems.

Products
Exhibits, birthday parties, cafe, gift shop, onsite educational programs, outreach educational programs, field trips, summer camps, Penguin Encounters, Stingray Feedings, memberships, facility rentals.

Email
info@thelivingplanet.com

Company Contact Information
The Living Planet Aquarium
Angie Hyde
725 E 10600 S
84094
Phone : 8017123966