(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) The Living Planet Aquarium is shocking visitors with its Christmas display that uses an electric eel to flash the lights on its tree. The "Journey To South America" gallery is blinking by using the energy generated by their electric eel, which is capable of generating bursts of electricity up to 600 volts in power, equivalent to five times a standard U.S. outlet. The display also allowed visitors to get shocked by touching two electrified probes during a visit to the aquarium on Tuesday, December 13, 2011.

Beats the heck outta Rudolph’s nose

Glow » Sparky the electric eel illuminates Living Planet Aquarium’s holiday season.

First Published Dec 22 2011 08:20 am • Last Updated Dec 22 2011 08:20 am

The Living Planet Aquarium in Sandy is using an unusual alternative energy source to help power its Christmas Tree lights.

Sparky, an electric eel, is providing a 600-volt jump charge to flash the lights on the tree.

If that doesn’t jolt your electrode, try putting your fingers on the provided stainless-steel probes outside Sparky’s tank. You’re in for a shock. Living Planet Aquarium, 725 E. 10600 South, Sandy

You can watch a video here:

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/53109614-78/sparky-eel-lights-tree.html.csp

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