The Asian Swamp Eel, Monopterus albus, is a high-risk, invasive species that is eating Florida<\/a> alive.<\/p>\n First found in Florida in 1997, the drought-tolerant Asian swamp eel spread from canals near Homestead into Everglades National Park\u2019s Taylor Slough by 2007. The invasive fish is now especially abundant there, where it has devastated some crayfish and small-fish populations \u2014 key prey for wading birds.<\/p>\n (\u00a0USFWS\/John Galvez\u00a0)<\/p>\n The introduction of the eel-like creature native to\u00a0eastern and southeastern Asia<\/a> has coincided with significant declines in the abundance of native fishes and decapods in the Sunshine State.<\/p>\n MASSIVE PYTHON FOUND ON BUSY NYC BOARDWALK AS FAMILIES, CHILDREN ENJOY BEACH DAY<\/a><\/p>\n Since its introduction, traced back to live releases from the aquarium trade and from fish markets, the Asian swamp eel has since become a problem that is slipping out of control.<\/p>\n Wading birds, including cranes and herons, may prey on Asian swamp eels, but the invasive fish\u2019s ability to burrow into mud and survive dry spells makes it a difficult target.<\/p>\n (Kevin Sunderland \/ National Park Service Facebook)<\/p>\n According to a study published in Freshwater Biology, invasive Asian swamp eels are now the leading predictor of lower amphibian abundance and altered wildlife<\/a> communities across parts of the Everglades.<\/p>\n An adult Asian swamp eel. The species was first imported to the U.S. as a food source and for the aquarium trade before becoming a high-threat invasive species.<\/p>\n (Invasive.org \/ Photo by Paul Shafland; Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation)<\/p>\n Researchers from the University of Miami, working with scientists from the South Florida Water Management District and Florida International University, surveyed 30 sites across four major Everglades regions during the summer<\/a> of 2022, documenting 2,251 amphibians across nine species.<\/p>\n BRAIN-EATING AMOEBA DETECTED IN WATER AT ICONIC US NATIONAL PARKS, STUDY FINDS<\/a><\/p>\n At first, soil nutrient levels appeared to be the strongest influence on where amphibians were most abundant. But when researchers added data on invasive Asian swamp eels, the eels emerged as the leading predictor of both amphibian abundance and the makeup of the wetland communities \u2014 with higher eel numbers linked to fewer amphibians.<\/p>\n One of the most prominent invasive species established in the Everglades’ freshwater ecosystems is the Asian swamp eel. It has been reported that they eat significant numbers of small, aquatic organisms important to the native, freshwater food web. \u00a0 This dead swamp eel, found along the Shark Valley tram road, was appropriately colored orange and black, although coloration can vary greatly in this species.\u00a0<\/p>\n (NPS Photo by Rachel DiPietro.)<\/p>\n The Asian swamp eel has a proven track record, damaging rice fields in the Phillipines and Japan, where its burrowing behavior has resulted in negative economic impacts, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service<\/a>, triggering its high risk tag by the agency.<\/p>\n Species that are considered high risk have a well-documented history<\/a> of invasiveness in at least one location globally and are of establishment concern in the U.S., according to the agency.<\/p>\n THESE ARE THE 6 BIGGEST BEARS ON EARTH<\/a><\/p>\n Asian swamp eels are considered a delicacy in parts of Asia, where they are commonly sold live in food markets and used in soups, stir-fries and other traditional dishes.<\/p>\n (Creative Touch Imaging Ltd.\/NurPhoto via Getty Images \/ Getty Images)<\/p>\n The Everglades are not alone in confronting the invasive fish, as Asian swamp eels have also established populations in Georgia<\/a> and New Jersey<\/a>, and have been present in Hawaii<\/a> for decades, the USGS said.<\/p>\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/333539751_3288610061469166_8240449625683092938_n.jpg\")
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