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U.S. Department of the Interior The Swamp Eel: A New Invasive Fish
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"...fortunately, the swamp eel may not yet have invaded... the Everglades National Park..." |
Although Florida has about 30 nonindigenous fish species, the swamp eel has certain biological characteristics that have raised concerns about its persistence, potential to spread, and possible damage it may cause. The eels may grow to a length of more than 3 feet and are not restricted to the tropics in its native range in Asia. It can travel over land during rains and can "breathe" air. It eats a wide variety of prey and can survive droughts by burrowing in the mud. Sex reversal occurs with aging, helping to ensure that only a few individuals are needed to colonize new areas. Also, these eels appear resistant to standard chemicals used to control fish.
It is very possible this species will soon invade the Everglades National Park. At a minimum, there is an urgent need to assess its current distribution and evaluate possible methods to contain its spread. Information on the eel's basic life history and characteristics are needed to develop control methods and strategies. Information on swamp eel behavior and biological requirements will help to identify potentially vulnerable aspects of its life history. Moreover, research is needed to determine the possible impacts this species may be having on native biological communities.
http://www.nfrcg.gov Dr. Russell Hall, Director Dr. Gregory Smith, Senior Science Advisor
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Geological Survey
Biological Resources Division
September 1998Relevant Web Sites:
http://nas.nfrcg.gov
For more information about this topic contact:
Florida Caribbean Science Center
(352) 378-8181 ext. 336For more information about BRD Science contact:
Biological Resources Division, USGS
(703) 648-4071
Click here for a printable PDF version of this flyer (note: this is a 352KB PDF document that requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to be read)
Related information:
SOFIA Project: Population Structure and Spatial Delineation of Consumer Communities in the Everglades National Park
U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey
This page is: http://sofia.usgs.gov/publications/fs/swampeel/index.html
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Last updated: 30 May, 2007 @ 10:01 AM(TJE)