Electric eels illuminate Christmas tree at aquarium in Japan

Photo: AI-generated image, photo editor: Adelina Mamedova

An aquarium in central Japan has set up an unusual attraction — a Christmas tree with lights powered by electric eels, NHK World reported.

Until Dec. 25, Toba Aquarium is offering visitors the chance to admire the five-meter tree lit by three eels in a tank near the attraction. The LED lights glimmer when the eels are fed, as the fish release electricity when they catch food or defend themselves.

According to an aquarium representative, the eel-powered exhibit is one-of-a-kind at the facility.

Notably, in 2019, the Tennessee Aquarium set up a similar display, where an eel named Miguel Wattson also powered lights on a Christmas tree outside its tank, The Guardian reported.

Separately, on Nov. 30, an iconic 80-meter floating Christmas tree was set afloat in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro, in Botafogo Cove and marked by a fireworks show.