Electric Eel: History, Facts, Size, Habitat, Classification & Much More

By Emily Buono

Animals are a fascinating part of our world, with their incredible diversity and unique characteristics. One such captivating creature is the electric eel. Found in the freshwaters of South America, the electric eel is an extraordinary animal known for its exceptional abilities and intriguing history.

The electric eel, also known as Electrophorus electricus, is not actually an eel but a type of fish. These remarkable creatures can grow up to 8 feet long and weigh about 44 pounds. What makes them truly remarkable is their ability to produce electricity. With specialized organs in their bodies, electric eels can generate electric shocks of up to 600 volts! This extraordinary trait allows them to navigate in dark waters and stun their prey, making them skilled hunters.

The electric eel’s habitat primarily consists of murky rivers and streams within the Amazon and Orinoco basins. They prefer slow-moving and shallow waters, where their prey is abundant. These amazing creatures have adapted to survive in various conditions, from flooded forests to swamps and marshes. Despite their name, they are capable of surviving in both freshwater and brackish water. This flexibility allows them to explore different areas and expand their territories.

Through learning about the electric eel’s history, facts, size, habitat, and classification, we gain a deeper understanding of this unique animal and its remarkable abilities. Stay tuned to our blog as we delve further into the world of fascinating animals, exploring their extraordinary lives and the wonders they bring to our planet.

History of Electric Eel

The electric eel is a fascinating creature with a long history that dates back thousands of years. This unique animal can be found in the freshwaters of South America, particularly in the Amazon and Orinoco River basins. It has captured the attention of humans for centuries due to its ability to generate electric shocks.

The electric eel gets its name from its remarkable ability to produce electric currents. These currents are used to navigate, find prey, and defend against predators. The electric eel is not a true eel, but rather a type of knifefish. It can reach impressive lengths of up to 8 feet and weigh around 44 pounds.

Despite its appearance, the electric eel is not dangerous to humans unless provoked. Its electrical discharges can deliver a strong shock but are generally used for hunting smaller fish and stunning prey. In fact, the electric eel’s electric organ is made up of specialized cells called electrocytes, which work together to generate these electric shocks.

Throughout history, humans have been both fascinated and fearful of the electric eel. Ancient civilizations, such as the Incas and the Romans, were aware of this creature’s ability to produce electricity. However, it was not until the 18th century that scientists began to study the electric eel more closely. In 1774, the renowned scientist Alessandro Volta used electric eels as inspiration to invent the first battery, which eventually led to the development of modern electrical power sources.

In summary, the electric eel is a remarkable creature that has intrigued humans for centuries. With its unique ability to produce electric shocks and its historical significance in the field of electricity, the electric eel continues to captivate scientists and curious minds alike, shedding light on the wonders of the natural world.

Importance of Electric Eel

The electric eel is a remarkable animal that plays an important role in its ecosystem. It is known for its unique ability to generate and release powerful electric shocks. These shocks are not just for defense or hunting, but they also help the electric eel communicate with others of its kind.

The electric eel uses its electric shocks to navigate in murky waters, to find its prey, and to protect itself from predators. Its electric organs produce a strong electrical current that can stun or immobilize its prey, making it easier for the electric eel to catch its food. This helps to keep the population of other aquatic animals in check and maintain the balance of the ecosystem.

Furthermore, the electric eel’s electric shocks create a sort of “electric language” that allows them to communicate with each other. They can emit different types of electric signals to attract mates, warn others of danger, or establish territory. This unique form of communication helps to ensure the survival of their species and aids in maintaining a healthy population of electric eels in their habitat.

In conclusion, the electric eel is an extraordinary animal that plays a crucial role in its environment. Its ability to generate electric shocks helps it hunt, protect itself, and communicate with others of its kind. By doing so, it helps to regulate the populations of other aquatic animals and maintain the balance of the ecosystem. The electric eel is truly a fascinating creature that contributes to the overall biodiversity and functioning of the natural world.

Amazing Facts About Electric Eel

1. Electric eels are a type of freshwater fish that live in South America.
2. Despite their name, electric eels are not actually eels, but rather a type of knifefish.
3. They have long, snake-like bodies that can grow up to 8 feet (2.5 meters) in length.
4. Electric eels have a unique ability to generate electricity, which they use for hunting and self-defense.
5. They have special organs called electrocytes that can produce strong electric shocks.
6. These shocks can reach up to 600 volts, which is more than five times the amount of a standard electrical outlet.
7. Electric eels mostly use their electricity for navigation and to locate prey in dark or murky waters.
8. They primarily feed on fish, but can also eat small mammals and birds that come near the water.
9. Despite being predators, electric eels are not dangerous to humans unless threatened or provoked.
10. They are solitary creatures and prefer to live in muddy or stagnant waters with low oxygen levels.
11. Electric eels have a unique breathing mechanism that allows them to rise to the surface and gulp air.
12. They have a dark gray or brownish color, which helps them blend in with their muddy surroundings.
13. Electric eels have poor eyesight and rely on their electric impulses to navigate and find prey.
14. They usually live for about 10-15 years in the wild, but can live longer in captivity.
15. Electric eels are fascinating creatures that continue to amaze scientists with their extraordinary abilities.

Can we keep Electric Eel as our Pet?

Some people may wonder if they can keep an electric eel as a pet, but unfortunately, it is not a good idea. Electric eels are fascinating creatures found in the rivers of South America. They possess a unique ability to produce electric shocks, which they use for hunting and self-defense. However, due to their specialized needs and potential dangers, electric eels are not suitable pets.

Firstly, electric eels require a very specific environment to thrive. They need large tanks with plenty of space to swim, as well as hiding spots and areas with low lighting. Maintaining the right water conditions, such as temperature and pH levels, can be challenging and costly. The diet of electric eels consists mainly of fish, which can be difficult to obtain and provide adequately in a home setting.

Secondly, electric eels are potentially dangerous to humans. While they are not typically aggressive, they can deliver powerful electric shocks. These shocks can cause serious harm or even be fatal, especially for young children or individuals with underlying health conditions. Therefore, keeping an electric eel as a pet could put both the owner and others at risk of injury.

Lastly, it is important to note that electric eels are not a common choice for pets because they are an endangered species. Due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and pollution, their numbers have greatly declined in recent years. It is essential to protect these creatures in their natural habitats and promote conservation efforts to prevent their extinction. Therefore, it is not ethical or responsible to keep electric eels as pets.

In conclusion, while electric eels may be intriguing creatures, they are not suitable as pets. Their specialized needs, potential dangers, and endangered status make it unwise and unethical to keep them in captivity. It is better to appreciate these unique animals in their natural habitats and contribute to their conservation.

Size of Electric Eel

The electric eel is a fascinating creature found in the rivers of South America. It is not actually an eel, but a type of fish known as a knifefish. The electric eel is not very big, measuring around six feet long on average. This is about the same length as a tall adult human. These incredible creatures have a slender and cylindrical body, which allows them to swim easily through the water.

Although the electric eel may not be very large in size, it is known for its astonishing ability to generate electricity. These creatures have specialized organs in their bodies that can produce electric shocks. They use this electric power to hunt for prey, navigate their surroundings, and even communicate with other electric eels. The electric shocks produced by an electric eel can be strong enough to stun or immobilize its prey, making it easier to catch and eat.

Despite their size, electric eels are considered fearsome predators due to their electric abilities. They often dwell in murky waters, camouflaging themselves with their dark-colored skin to ambush unsuspecting prey. Their electric shocks are so powerful that they can temporarily disable animals as large as horses. Despite their name, electric eels are not dangerous to humans unless they feel threatened. Yet, it is always best to observe and appreciate these incredible creatures from a safe distance to avoid any potential harm.

In summary, electric eels may not be very large in size, measuring around six feet long, but their incredible electrical capabilities make them truly fascinating creatures. Their ability to produce electric shocks is essential for hunting, navigating, and communicating in their environment. While they can be fearsome predators, they generally pose no threat to humans as long as they are treated with respect and observed from a safe distance.

Habitat of Electric Eel

The electric eel is a fascinating creature that lives in the freshwaters of South America. This amazing fish can be found in places such as the Amazon and Orinoco River basins. It prefers slow-moving or stagnant waters, like swamps, flooded forests, and muddy streams. These environments provide the perfect habitat for the electric eel to thrive.

In its natural habitat, the electric eel is often surrounded by dense vegetation and submerged tree trunks. These structures provide hiding places and protection from predators. Additionally, the muddy or sandy bottoms of the waterbodies allow the electric eel to build its nests and reproduce. The warm and calm waters of its habitat are crucial for the survival of this remarkable creature.

The electric eel is well adapted to its habitat. It has a long, slender body that allows it to maneuver easily through the thick vegetation. Its electric organs, which generate electric fields, are specifically designed for navigating in murky waters and locating prey. The electric eel mainly feeds on small fish, but it can also consume amphibians and invertebrates that live in the water. This incredible species has the ability to generate electric shocks of up to 600 volts, which it uses for navigation, finding food, and self-defense.

In conclusion, the electric eel is found in the freshwater habitats of South America, particularly in the Amazon and Orinoco River basins. It prefers slow-moving waters with dense vegetation and submerged tree trunks. The warm and calm waters allow the electric eel to thrive, while its unique adaptations, such as its long body and electric organs, help it navigate and find food. The electric eel is truly an extraordinary creature that is perfectly suited for its habitat.

Evolution of Electric Eel

The electric eel, a fascinating creature found in South America, has a long and interesting evolutionary history. Millions of years ago, its ancestors were actually not capable of generating electricity. They were ordinary fish that lived in rivers and lakes, similar to many other species we still see today. Over time, however, these fish evolved new features that allowed them to adapt to their environment and survive.

One important change was the development of specialized cells in their bodies called electrocytes. These cells had the ability to produce and store electricity. As the generations passed, these electrocytes became more and more powerful, eventually forming organs that we now know as electric organs. These organs enable the electric eel to produce a strong electric shock, which is used for various purposes such as hunting, defense, and communication.

Another crucial adaptation was the transformation of the eel’s body shape. Unlike other fish, the electric eel has a long, slender body that resembles a snake. This shape allows it to move smoothly through the water, making it a skilled predator. This significant change in body structure is believed to have occurred so that the eel could generate a more powerful electric shock. By elongating its body, the electric eel created more space for its electric organs, enabling it to produce increasingly larger amounts of electricity.

In conclusion, the electric eel has come a long way in its evolution. From simple fish swimming in the water, it developed unique electric organs and acquired a distinctive body shape. These adaptations have allowed it to thrive in its environment, making it one of the most intriguing creatures on our planet.

Classification of Electric Eel

The electric eel is a unique and fascinating creature that belongs to the animal kingdom. Specifically, it is classified in the subphylum vertebrata, which means it has a backbone. The electric eel falls under the class of Actinopterygii, which includes all ray-finned fish. This means that it has a skeleton made of bones and its fins are supported by rays.

Within the class Actinopterygii, the electric eel is further classified into the order Gymnotiformes. This order is composed of fish that are able to produce electrical shocks. The electric eel is well known for its ability to generate electric pulses, which it uses for navigation and communication. It has special organs called electrocytes that allow it to create these electric shocks.

Lastly, the electric eel is classified into the family Gymnotidae. This family includes other electric fish species, such as knifefish and other electric eels. They are primarily found in freshwater habitats, like rivers and swamps, in South America. Their long bodies and dark coloration help them blend into their environment, making them difficult to spot by predators.

In summary, the electric eel is classified in the animal kingdom, under the subphylum vertebrata. It belongs to the class Actinopterygii and the order Gymnotiformes, which are fish with bony skeletons and the ability to produce electrical shocks. Lastly, it falls within the family Gymnotidae, which includes other electric fish species. These unique classifications help us understand the characteristics and habitat of the electric eel.

Different Types of Electric Eel

1. Electric Eel (Electrophorus electricus): The most well-known and largest species of electric eel, found in the rivers of South America. It has the ability to produce strong electric shocks to catch prey and defend itself.

2. Knife Fish (Gymnotiformes): A group of fish that includes some species of electric eels. They have elongated bodies and use electrical signals to navigate, communicate, and hunt for food.

3. Yellow Electric Eel (Electrophorus voltai): A recently discovered species of electric eel that has a yellow coloration. It can discharge an electric shock of up to 860 volts, making it the highest recorded voltage for any living creature.

4. Black Ghost Knifefish (Apteronotus albifrons): A popular species of knife fish often kept in aquariums. It is known for its unique appearance, with a long black body and a distinctively shaped tail, and it also generates electric discharges for finding prey.

5. Electric Catfish (Malapterurus electricus): Found in African rivers, this catfish species possesses electrogenic organs that produce electric fields to locate food and communicate with other electric catfish. They have a flattened head and a long, slender body.

6. South American Knifefish (Eigenmannia virescens): Another species of knife fish that inhabits the rivers of South America. They have the ability to generate weak electric discharges, which they use to navigate through dark waters and to locate prey.

7. Electric Fish (Mormyridae): A diverse family of fish found in Africa. They emit weak electric fields and use special organs to detect objects and communicate with other members of their species. Certain electric fish even use electric pulses for communication during courtship.

8. Electric Ray (Torpedo): These flat-bodied rays can produce strong electric shocks using specialized electric organs located on their disc. The electric ray is found in coastal waters and is known for stunning its prey before consuming it.

9. Electric Catfish (Malapterurus beninensis): Another species of electric catfish that can be found in the rivers and lakes of West Africa. They are known for their ability to generate electric shocks for defense and prey detection.

10. Electric Organ Discharge (EOD): Although not a specific species, electric eels and several other electric fish can produce electrical pulses for communication or navigation, known as Electric Organ Discharge. These discharges can vary in frequency and duration, allowing fish to send specific signals to other individuals.

Geographical Presence of Electric Eel

The Electric Eel is found mainly in the rivers and streams of South America. It is commonly found in the Amazon and Orinoco River basins, which are located in countries such as Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, and Peru. These rivers provide the ideal habitat for the Electric Eel, as they are warm, freshwater environments with plenty of food sources.

Electric Eels are not found in other regions of the world, as they are native to South America. They require specific conditions to survive, such as warm water and access to prey, which may not be available in other parts of the world. Therefore, they do not inhabit rivers or streams in North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, or Australia.

In addition to South America, Electric Eels are also not found in saltwater environments, such as oceans or seas. They are exclusively freshwater creatures and do not have the adaptations necessary to survive in saltwater habitats. Instead, they prefer calm, shallow waters with muddy or sandy bottoms, where they can hide and hunt easily.

To sum up, the Electric Eel is found in South America, particularly in the rivers and streams of the Amazon and Orinoco River basins. They are not found in other regions of the world or in saltwater environments. Electric Eels have specific habitat requirements and are only able to thrive in certain conditions found in their native South America.

Scientific Name of Electric Eel

Scientifically known as Electrophorus electricus, the electric eel is a fascinating creature that resides in the flowing waters of South America. Despite its name, the electric eel is not an eel at all, but rather a type of fish. It is highly unique due to its ability to produce electricity, which it uses for several purposes, such as hunting prey and navigating its surroundings.

The electric eel is known for its long, cylindrical body that can reach lengths of up to 8 feet (2.4 meters). Its scientific name, Electrophorus electricus, reflects its extraordinary talent of generating electric shocks. These shocks are produced by specialized cells called electrocytes, which make up around 80% of the fish’s body. When the electric eel detects prey nearby, it sends out electric signals that stun the unfortunate victim, making it easier for the eel to snatch it up for a meal.

This unique ability is not only used for hunting; the electric eel also employs it as a means of self-defense. If threatened or cornered, it can deliver powerful electric shocks to potential predators, discouraging them from making the electric eel their next meal. This fascinating adaptation allows the electric eel to thrive in its habitat, where it can often be found in muddy or murky waters, camouflaging itself from both predators and prey.

In conclusion, the electric eel, scientifically known as Electrophorus electricus, is a fish found in South America. Its ability to generate electricity is what sets it apart from other aquatic creatures, allowing it to stun prey and defend itself when needed. Nature continues to amaze us with its incredible adaptations, and the electric eel is definitely a standout example of aquatic wonder.

Diet of Electric Eel

Electric eels are unique animals that live in the rivers of South America. Even though we are not talking specifically about electric eels, we will explore what these amazing creatures eat. Their diet consists mainly of fish, although they may also eat small invertebrates such as shrimp and crabs. Fish make up the majority of their meals because they are rich in nutrients and provide the electric eel with the energy it needs to survive.

Electric eels have a special hunting technique to catch their food. They use a low-level electric charge to locate their prey. This is called electrolocation. When the eel gets close to a fish, it releases a high-voltage electric shock, which stuns or kills the fish. Then, the electric eel will swallow the fish whole. Since they live in rivers, electric eels have adapted to survive both in deep water and in shallow areas with lots of vegetation where fish like to hide.

In order to stay healthy, electric eels need to eat regularly. They have a big appetite and can eat around half of their own body weight in one meal! This allows them to store energy for times when food may be scarce. The electric eel’s diet is important for its survival and helps to maintain the balance of the ecosystem in which it lives. By preying on other animals, they help control the population of certain fish species, ensuring that the river remains healthy and in harmony.

Locomotion of Electric Eel

The electric eel is a fascinating creature when it comes to how it moves, or its locomotion. It uses its long, snake-like body to swim through the water. When it wants to move forward, it creates a wave-like motion with its body. This helps to push it forward, almost like a wave pushing a surfer towards the shore.

To move backwards, the electric eel can actually reverse the direction of its electric pulses. By doing this, it causes the current to flow in the opposite direction, and this propels it backwards through the water. It’s like using a powerful jet engine in reverse to go backwards.

So, you can see that the electric eel is quite a clever swimmer! It uses its flexible body and unique way of producing electric shocks to move forward and backward in the water.

Social and Sexual Behaviour of Electric Eel

Electric eels are fascinating creatures that live in freshwater habitats in South America. When it comes to social behavior, electric eels are mostly solitary creatures. They prefer to live alone and are not very social with other eels. However, during the breeding season, male eels may engage in aggressive behavior to compete for female attention. They may even jump out of the water and produce sounds to attract a mate.

When it comes to sexual behavior, electric eels have a unique way of reproducing. Unlike many other animals, they do not lay eggs. Instead, female eels produce thousands of eggs that are fertilized by the males. What’s interesting is that the male eels do not provide any parental care. After fertilizing the eggs, they leave and have no role in raising the young eels. The female eel takes care of the eggs, protecting them until they hatch.

Overall, electric eels may not be very social creatures, but they have their own way of finding a mate and reproducing. Their solitary nature and unique reproductive strategy make them quite fascinating to study.

Reproduction and Lifecycle of Electric Eel

The electric eel is a fascinating creature that has a unique way of reproducing and going through its life cycle. To start, electric eels reproduce by laying eggs, just like many other fish. The female eel releases her eggs into the water, and then the male eel fertilizes them by releasing his sperm over the eggs. After this fertilization process, the eggs are left on their own to develop and hatch into baby electric eels.

Once the baby electric eels hatch, they are completely independent and must fend for themselves. They are able to swim and hunt for food right away. Baby eels mainly eat small invertebrates and fish larvae to grow strong and healthy. As they continue to grow, electric eels go through different stages of development, just like humans do. They gradually become larger and stronger, and their electric shock becomes stronger too.

As adult electric eels, they continue to live and hunt in the water. These amazing creatures are capable of generating their own electric fields to locate their prey and even communicate with each other. Electric eels have a long lifespan, and they can live up to 10 to 15 years in their natural habitats. During this time, they continue to reproduce, following the same cycle of laying eggs and fertilizing them.

In summary, electric eels reproduce by laying eggs, which are then fertilized by the male. The eggs hatch into baby electric eels that are independent and capable of swimming and finding food on their own. As they grow, they continue to develop and become adult electric eels, using their unique electric abilities to hunt and communicate. These fascinating creatures have a long lifespan and continue to reproduce throughout their lives.

Threats to Electric Eel

The electric eel, a unique and fascinating animal, faces many threats in its natural habitat that put its survival at risk. One major threat is habitat loss. As humans continue to expand their activities, such as building dams and clearing forests, the electric eel’s home is being destroyed. Without a suitable environment to live in, their population is declining rapidly.

Another threat to the electric eel is overfishing. Some people catch these eels for food or capture them for the aquarium trade. Unfortunately, this excessive hunting disrupts their population balance, making it harder for them to reproduce and survive. If appropriate regulations and conservation efforts are not put in place, the electric eel may face extinction.

Lastly, pollution in their habitat is also a great danger to electric eels. Chemicals and pollutants from human activities, like industrial waste and agricultural runoffs, contaminate the water they live in. These harmful substances can cause serious health problems for the eels, affecting their reproduction, growth, and overall wellbeing. If we do not take immediate measures to reduce pollution, the electric eel population will suffer greatly.

In conclusion, the electric eel faces several threats to its existence, including habitat loss, overfishing, and pollution. We must work towards protecting their natural environment, enforcing regulations on hunting and fishing, and reducing pollution levels in order to ensure the electric eel’s survival for future generations to appreciate and admire. It is our responsibility to protect these marvelous creatures and the habitats they depend on.

Population of Electric Eel

The population of electric eel animals is not known exactly as they live in murky waters and are difficult to study. However, it is assumed that there are thousands of electric eels living in the rivers and lakes of South America. These amazing creatures can generate electric shocks to catch their prey and defend themselves from predators.

Electric eels have a unique ability to produce electric shocks, which makes them special among other animals. It is sad to know that if the electric eel becomes extinct, we will lose one of nature’s most fascinating species. Extinction means that all the animals of a particular species have died out and can no longer be found in the wild. This would be a great loss for our planet as electric eels play an important role in their ecosystems.

Conservation efforts are crucial to protect the population of electric eels from decline. It is important to keep their habitats clean and free from pollution, and to avoid overfishing in their rivers and lakes. By protecting these incredible creatures, we can ensure that future generations will have the chance to marvel at the wonders of the electric eel and learn from the secrets of nature.

Conclusion

In the vast world of remarkable animal species, the electric eel holds a captivating position. With its unique abilities and intriguing features, this creature continues to fascinate scientists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Unlike its name suggests, the electric eel is not actually an eel at all, but a type of freshwater fish. Found in the rivers and swamps of South America, this amazing animal possesses the extraordinary ability to generate electric shocks. These shocks are used for various purposes, such as navigation, hunting, and self-defense.

The electric eel can reach an astonishing size, growing up to eight feet in length and weighing around forty-four pounds. Its long, slender body is covered in a slimy substance that helps it glide through the water effortlessly. Equipped with a specialized set of organs, the electric eel can discharge shocks up to six hundred volts, powerful enough to stun its prey or deter predators.

In conclusion, the electric eel is a truly fascinating creature that deserves recognition for its exceptional abilities. Its classification as a fish, despite its name, is a testament to the diversity of the animal kingdom. From its size and habitat to its unique electric abilities, this extraordinary animal captivates our imagination and sparks a sense of wonder about the incredible world of animals.

Frequently Asked Questions about Electric Eel (FAQ’s)

Q: What is an electric eel?
A: An electric eel is a species of fish that can generate electric shocks.

Q: Where are electric eels found?
A: Electric eels are typically found in rivers and streams in South America.

Q: How big can electric eels grow?
A: Electric eels can grow up to 8 feet in length and weigh around 44 pounds.

Q: Are electric eels actually eels?
A: Despite their name, electric eels are not true eels, but rather a type of knifefish.

Q: How do electric eels generate electricity?
A: Electric eels have specialized organs made of electrocytes that produce electric discharges.

Q: Are electric eel shocks dangerous to humans?
A: Yes, electric eel shocks can be dangerous to humans, potentially causing paralysis or even death.

Q: Do electric eels use electricity for hunting?
A: Yes, electric eels use their electric shocks primarily for stunning prey and self-defense.

Q: How strong are the electric shocks generated by electric eels?
A: Electric eels can produce shocks of up to 600 volts, which is strong enough to incapacitate their prey.

Q: Can electric eels shock underwater animals?
A: Yes, electric eels can use their electric shocks to target and immobilize underwater prey.

Q: Can electric eels give multiple shocks in quick succession?
A: Yes, electric eels can rapidly discharge multiple electric shocks, allowing them to stun or repel threats.

Q: Do electric eels breathe air like other fish?
A: Electric eels have a specialized organ that enables them to breathe oxygen from the air at the water’s surface.

Q: Can electric eels deliver electric shocks on land?
A: No, electric eels can only produce electric shocks when immersed in water.

Q: Are electric eels solitary or social animals?
A: Electric eels are typically solitary creatures, although they may gather in small groups during certain periods.

Q: Are electric eels a threatened species?
A: The electric eel is not currently considered a threatened species, but habitat destruction and pollution pose risks.

Q: Are electric eels commonly kept as pets?
A: Electric eels are not suitable as pets due to their size and specialized care requirements.

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