Asian Swamp Eel

Scientific name: Monopterus albus (Zuiew, 1793)

Common names: Asian swamp eel, rice eel

Native To: Asia

Date of U.S. Introduction: Early 1900s (HI); Early 1990s (Continental U.S.)

Images: Google

Means of Introduction: Aquarium trade; released from fish markets

Impact: Competes with native species

Current U.S. Distribution: FL, GA, HI (NAS Database map)

Management Plans: Aquatic Species

Selected Internet Resources:

• Federal Government
• State Government
• University/Academic
• International
• Organizations

Asian Swamp Eel Invasion Increases in Southeast - ANS Digest (Nov 2000; PDF | 380 KB)
Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force.
Identification/Description; Illustration; Impacts; Life Cycle; Habitat; Dispersion; Controls; Special Note: Contacts for additional information

Monopterus albus
Integrated Taxonomic Information System.
Taxonomy

Asian Swamp Eel - Monopterus albus - Aquatic Nuisance Species Research Program (PDF | 381 KB)
DOD. USACE. Engineer Research and Development Center. Environmental Laboratory.
Taxonomy; Identification/Description; Photographs; Impacts; Life Cycle; Distribution; Controls; Special Note: References

Monopterus albus Article Citation Search - AGRICOLA Database
USDA. National Agricultural Library.
Research; Special Note: NAL Catalog Search (resources)

USGS Scientists Find New Population of Asian Swamp Eels in South Florida (Mar 3, 2000)
DOI. United States Geological Survey.
Introduction History; Special Note: Press releases regarding new population findings in Florida

Frequently Asked Questions about the Asian Swamp Eel
DOI. USGS. Southeast Ecological Science Center.
Taxonomy; Identification/Description; Photographs; Introduction History; Impacts; Distribution

Monopterus albus - Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database
DOI. USGS. Southeast Ecological Science Center.
Identification/Description; Photographs; Introduction History; Impacts; Distribution; Special Note: Distribution maps and collection information (State and County)

The Swamp Eel: A New Invasive Fish
DOI. USGS. South Florida Information Access.
Photographs; Impacts; Distribution

State Government

Not Wanted Asian Swamp Eel Alias: Monopterus albus (PDF |105 KB)
Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Identification/Description; Photographs; Illustrations; Introduction History; Impacts; Distribution; Legal Aspects

Asian Swamp Eel - Introduced Species Summary Project
Columbia University. Center for Environmental Research and Conservation.
Taxonomy; Identification/Description; Photographs; Introduction History; Impacts; Life Cycle; Habitat; Controls

Asian Swamp Eel Fact Sheet (PDF | 69 KB)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Taxonomy; Photographs; Introduction History; Impacts; Life Cycle; Habitat; Distribution; Special Note: References

Monopterus albus (fish) - ISSG Global Invasive Species Database
World Conservation Union. Invasive Species Specialist Group.
Taxonomy; Identification/Description; Impacts; Life Cycle; Habitat; Distribution; Controls

Swamp Eel - Species Summary
FishBase.org.
Taxonomy; Identification/Description; Photographs; Life Cycle; Habitat; Distribution; Dispersion

Perilous Experiment: The Asian Rice Eel in Georgia (By Wayne C. Starnes, Richard T. Bryant, and Greg C. Greer)
Sherpa Guides. Natural Georgia Series. Atlanta’s Urban Wildlife.
Taxonomy; Identification/Description; Photographs; Impacts; Life Cycle; Habitat; Distribution; Dispersion

Eeeeek! The Eels Are Coming (Feb 15, 2001)
St. Petersburg Times.
Identification/Description; Photographs; Impacts; Life Cycle; Habitat; Distribution; Dispersion