What is an Asian swamp eel? <!-- biology, invasve species, wildlife -->
Home >FAQ
USGS Frequently Asked Questions
Question:
What is an Asian swamp eel?
Answer:
Swamp eels are fish, but they are not closely related to other living eels or snake-like marine and freshwater fishes. Unlike the native American eel (Anguilla rostrata), swamp eels do not migrate to the ocean to spawn. The swamp eel family includes more than a dozen species. They are native to Central and South America, Africa, Australia, and from India to eastern Asia, including much of China. In Asia, swamp eels are widespread and commonly sold live in markets as food for human consumption.
