Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: jowled swamp eels

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: This species is not M. albus. Species is yet unidentified.

Asian swamp eels are morphologically similar to two North American native fishes: American eel (Anguilla rostrata) and lampreys (Ichthyomyzon, Lampetra, Lethenteron, or Petromyzon spp.). Asian swamp eels can be distinguished from American eels by the presence/absence of pectoral fins (present in A. rostrata; absent in Monopterus sp.). Swamp eels can be distinguished from lampreys by the morphology of the gill opening (a single V-shaped opening in swamp eels; 7 small, pore-like gill openings in lampreys) and mouth/teeth (lampreys lack jaws and have an ovoid oral disc with embedded teeth). Swamp eels are also morphologically similar to two native salamanders (Siren and Amphiuma spp.), but can be distinguished by the presence/absence of legs/limbs (front and hind legs present in Amphiuma, front legs only in Siren, no legs/limbs in Monopterus). An identification guide highlighting to distinguishing swamp eels from the taxa outlined above can be downloaded here.

Native Range: Asia.

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Means of Introduction: Buddhist prayer release.

Status: Unknown.

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

Remarks: Nico et al. (2011) examined the occurrence of internal parasites in both imported, wild-caught swamp eels from a U.S. retail food market and from an introduced population in Florida, finding parasites in nearly all specimens and highlighting the potential of Monopterus as a vector for introduction of macroparasites.

References: (click for full references)

Henry, S. 2007a. Buddhists release creatures into Passaic. Herald News. West Paterson, NJ. http://northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkzNTcmZmdiZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTcxODE0OTQmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXky. Created on 08/13/2007. Accessed on 10/22/2007.

Henry, S. 2007b. Authorities find a lot wrong with Buddhist reptile rite. Herald News. West Paterson, NJ. http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk3JmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk3MTgxNzk1. Created on 08/14/2007. Accessed on 10/22/2007.

Henry, S. 2007c. Origin of reptiles remains a mystery. Herald News. West Paterson, NJ. http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkzJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk3MTg0MzI4. Created on 08/20/2007. Accessed on 10/22/2007.

Nico, L.G., P. Sharp, and T.M. Collins. 2011. Imported Asian swamp eels (Synbranchidae: Monopterus) in North American live food markets: potential vectors of non-native parasites. Aquatic Invasions 6:69-76.

Other Resources:
USGS Invasive Species Case File

Fact Sheet for Monopterus albus - USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database

Author: Matt Neilson, and Pam Fuller

Peer Review Date: 9/3/2013

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.