As reported in the New York Times, April 2, 1967, a researcher, Dr. Frank J. Mandriota of City College, New York, conditioned an M. electricus to discharge on a light signal for a reward of live worms delivered automatically.

[2][3][5] Most Malapterurus and all Paradoxoglanis species are much smaller, reaching less than 30 cm (1 ft) long.

[7][8] An account of its electric properties was given by an Arab physician Abd al-Latif al-Baghdadi of the 12th century; then as now, the fish was known by the suggestive name of الرعد el raad, which means "thunder".

It is not known to be fatal to humans,[2] but large electric catfish can stun an adult person.

[10] In small electric catfish, the generated current is far less and only feels like a tingle to humans.