In 1997, nonnative and invasive Asian swamp eels were collected in Florida for the first time at two sites near Tampa and Miami.
By 2008, the eel had also been found in a lake in New Jersey. These fish are extremely adapt- able to a wide range of freshwater habitats, from wetlands to streams and po nds. They are predators that feed on worms, insects, crayfish, frogs, and other fishes, including bluegill and bass. Swamp eels have the ability to gulp air, which allows them to survive in only a few inches of water and to move over land to a nearby body of water. Scientists are tracking their movements and increasing numbers in the Southeast. In one pond, several species of fish have been completely eliminated. Based on your understanding of the pond ecosystem, predict the effect of introducing swamp eels on the following components of the pond. Bluegill:
Bass:
Pond life:
