Invasive Asian Swamp Eel Is Taking Over the Florida Everglades, Could Be More Destructive Than State’s Python Problem

**Invasive Asian Swamp Eels Raise Alarms in Florida’s Everglades**

Florida’s Everglades is facing a growing threat from an invasive species, the Asian swamp eel, which is wreaking havoc on local wildlife and ecosystems. Originally native to East and Southeast Asia, this adaptable freshwater fish was first spotted in Florida’s freshwater canals in 1997. Recent reports indicate that it has made its way into the northern Everglades, particularly causing disruption at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in Palm Beach County.

Experts have raised serious concerns about the impact of the Asian swamp eel on native species, warning that it could pose a greater ecological risk than the notorious Burmese python. Nathan Dorn, an Associate Professor and aquatic ecologist at Florida International University, highlighted the alarming situation in a presentation earlier this year, stating, “We have no way to remove this animal from the wetlands.” Dorn’s lab confirmed the presence of the swamp eels in the refuge, dating their arrival to potentially early 2025.

These invasive fish have been implicated in the significant decline of crucial populations, including crawfish and frogs, which are vital for the food chain. Wading birds, such as Florida’s iconic long-legged species, rely on these smaller creatures for sustenance. Unfortunately, the once-abundant Southern leopard frogs have disappeared from their southern habitats since the eels’ introduction. A 2026 study in the journal *Freshwater Biology* indicates that tree frogs, which can evade the eels, remain the only amphibian species in the area.

In response to this growing concern, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) classified Asian swamp eels as “High Risk” in April 2025. This designation notes their well-documented invasiveness in other regions worldwide, combined with their potential to establish themselves in new environments across the contiguous United States. The adaptability of these fish is concerning; as the FWS explained, they can endure drought conditions by burrowing into mud, allowing them to survive periods of low water.

Frank Mazzotti, a professor of wildlife ecology at the University of Florida, echoed the challenges faced by researchers aiming to address this invasive species. “I’m struggling with the fish question in general as far as how do you get rid of an established aquatic organism,” Mazzotti remarked. Unlike more visible invasive species, such as iguanas and tegus, the swamp eels remain hidden beneath the water’s surface, complicating detection and removal efforts.

With the Asian swamp eel’s habit of thriving in various aquatic environments, experts are concerned that it could spread further throughout Florida, potentially affecting other communities. Hunter Howell, a researcher from the University of Miami, told *Wildlife Society* that these eels may have originated from local breeding ponds or have been introduced as bait by fishermen. He lamented the difficulties in controlling these invasive creatures, stating, “Controlling an invasive species in a system like this is basically impossible.”

Dorn also emphasised the potential destructiveness of the Asian swamp eel compared to the more widely recognised threats like the Burmese python. He stated, “Obviously, it’s not as scary because it won’t eat you or me, right? But I would say, for the wetlands, this is probably the worst invasive species that we’ve seen,” reinforcing the urgency with which the situation must be addressed.

As researchers continue to grapple with the implications of the Asian swamp eel’s presence in Florida, the situation remains dire for the delicate ecosystems of the Everglades. Without effective intervention strategies, the threat posed by this invasive species could escalate, leading to irrevocable changes in the landscape and a decline in biodiversity.

It is clear that more research is needed to fully understand the extent of the damage and to develop potential solutions. Local authorities and conservationists are calling for increased awareness and further investigation into ways to manage and mitigate the impact of the Asian swamp eel. The health of Florida’s iconic wetlands hangs in the balance as experts work tirelessly to protect native wildlife from this emerging threat.