Monopterus Albus - Control Plan

Control Plan

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) proposed and implemented several methods in controlling the Monopterus albus population in Southern Florida. Having documented eel distribution, behavior, and biology, the USGS discourages catching and transporting the eel for use as bait, food, or aquarium pets. Water management practices are also changing to combat the invasive species. Selected water-control structures near established swamp eel populations are not being opened to prevent or at least retard dispersal, particularly into the waters of Everglades National Park. Adult and juvenile swamp eels are obligate air-breathers, while young absorb oxygen directly through the skin. As such, standard fish poisons or piscicides (e.g., rotenone and antimycin-A) that are transmitted across the gill membrane may not be effective. Serial piscicide dilutions of antimycin-A were tested and found to be innocuous. No change in morbidity and mortality were observed.