Shocked? Electric eel powers aquarium’s Christmas lights

(AP) — The Tennessee Aquarium is using an electric eel named Miguel Wattson to light up a Christmas tree.

The aquarium says a system connected to Miguel’s tank enables his shocks to power strands of lights on a nearby tree.

Aquarist Kimberly Hurt says Miguel releases low-voltage blips of electricity when he is trying to find food. That translates to a rapid, dim blinking of the Christmas lights.

When he is eating or excited, he emits higher voltage shocks which cause bigger flashes.

Miguel is something of a celebrity. He even has a Twitter account.