# Electric Eel Powered Christmas Lights Eel Shocks E-Tree to Life By Bianca | Published 2007-12-05 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-eel-e-tree References: [inventorspot](http://inventorspot.com/articles/shocking_story_electric_eel_powe_8888) The "e" in [E-tree](http://inventorspot.com/articles/shocking_story_electric_eel_powe_8888) stands for two things: eco and electric eel! In order to raise public awareness for the [power-producing capabilities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sustainable-energy-solutions) of [electric eels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/american-unagi), a Japanese aquarium Aqua Toto Gifu, built the E-tree. A conductive copper wire was inserted inside the tank where the slimy zapping sea creature resided, while the other end of the wire was attached to the colored lights of a nearby Christmas tree. When the eel slithered against the wire, the eel's currents would cause the ornaments to light up. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.6/10 - Popularity: 74% | Activity: 27% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Power-generating Animals:** Using animals to generate electricity presents opportunities for sustainable and eco-friendly energy sources. - **Interactive Lighting:** Creating interactive lighting installations using unconventional methods adds an element of novelty and engagement. - **Creative Public Awareness Campaigns:** Innovative campaigns that effectively communicate important messages can capture public attention and raise awareness. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Renewable Energy:** Renewable energy industries can explore harnessing power from animals, like electric eels, to diversify sustainable energy options. - **Entertainment:** The entertainment industry could create immersive experiences by incorporating interactive lighting technologies into shows and attractions. - **Public Relations:** PR companies can learn from this campaign to develop unique and attention-grabbing strategies for raising awareness about important causes or messages. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Christmas-Themed USB Keys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/psb-xmas-tree.md) - [Neon Illuminated Christmas Trees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fluorescence.md) - [Waste-Activated Digital Trees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lit-by-sht.md) - [Tree-Inspired Solar Panel Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarbotanic-energy-tree.md) - [Illuminated Christmas Tree Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/all-lit-up.md) - [Cutout Christmas Tree Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christmas-tree-display.md) - [Carbon-Neutral LED Trees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/led-tree.md) - [Plastic Bottle-Made Christmas Trees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caroline-chaptini.md) - [Smart Holiday Windows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alexa-in-a-pear-tree.md)