Subnautica Wiki
Advertisement

Ampeels are an aggressive fauna species found dwelling in the Bulb Zone and the Blood Kelp Zone, as individuals or in small groups of two to four, or maybe even five if you are unlucky enough.

The Ampeel frequently emits zapping noises when in proximity, which is also heard when it uses its electrical attacks against other fauna and the player. Its shocking attack deals about 15 damage to the player's health, and its bite will take away 45 health.

Appearance[]

Ampeels are huge, serpentine creatures with a segmented body, covered with prongs capable of generating powerful zaps of bio-electricity. Their dorsal side is dull green in color, while the underbelly is light tan. The body is composed of a head segment, eight body segments, and a tail segment.

The Ampeel's head segment has six prongs, four being placed in line with the prongs on the body segments, with an additional pair located on either side of the creature's mouth. It has two turquoise eyes sitting in hollows in the otherwise smooth head. Its mouth has many small teeth.

Each body segment has four prongs situated 90 degrees apart, except its end segment, where there are four prongs extending out posteriorly. The prongs are a brownish-red in color, green towards the bases with bright white tips, these emit a very bright cyan bioluminescent glow, and are capable of generating electricity.

This electrical current is most likely generated by a natural unfinished circuit, and with the addition of water as a means to close the circuit and generate electric arcs from prong to prong. Because of this, not only would it be unlikely for them to generate a current on land, but it also allows them to activate the circuits at will, by generating a slightly larger current to "kickstart" the system, and make visible arcs of shocking power.

Behavior[]

Ampeels swim around passively and frequently re-orientate themselves to swim in another direction. It generates electrical arcs that run along its body, from head to tail. The Ampeel will enter an aggressive state when the player approaches it, generating an electrical barrier that surrounds its entire body by using all of its prongs at once. It then may try to zap or bite the player.

The Ampeel's electricity can severely damage a Seamoth. The Seamoth Perimeter Defense System has no effect on an Ampeel, likely due to the fact that it uses electricity itself. A better defensive tool to use would be the Stasis Rifle, Repulsion Cannon, or a Torpedo System. Ampeels are one of the few creatures that can deal damage to a Cyclops, though the damage they deal is minimal and it takes several attacking at once to pose any real threat to the vessel. The Ampeel can also attack the Prawn Suit, dealing 7% damage, with its shocking attack taking away around 2% of the Prawn Suit's health. It should be noted though that Ampeels are not likely to attack the Prawn Suit, having to get almost within biting range before attacking.

When an Ampeel is attacked, it will turn around and retaliate by either zapping the attacker or biting it, much like a Boneshark. Shortly after this, the Ampeel will flee. Ampeels do not respawn when killed.

Energy Value[]

ShockerItem ArrowBioreactorItem ArrowEnergy×770
Shocker EggItem ArrowBioreactorItem ArrowEnergy×259

Data Bank Entry[]

Shocker

A powerful and inquisitive predator found inhabiting the deeper waters of the reefs and bulb bush colonies.

1. Electrical Prongs:
Torso-mounted prongs generate a powerful electrical current which the ampeel uses to incapacitate its prey.

2. Jaws:
A large, flexible jaw, studded with sharp teeth. If a faster, stronger, and hungrier predator lives on the reefs, it appears to avoid the ampeel.

Assessment: Avoid or incapacitate

Gallery[]

Trivia[]

  • Ampeels were originally called Shockers.
  • The name Ampeel is a portmanteau of the words "Ampere", the international measurement of electric current, and "Eel", a name for certain groups of Earth fish.
  • Ampeels may be based specifically on Electric Eels, animals capable of generating electrical shocks much smaller than the Ampeel's.
  • An Ampeel's electric arcs do not cause damage when they are frozen by the stasis rifle, thus rendering them defenseless when in stasis.
Advertisement