Novel Observations of Predation on the Invasive Monopterus albus/javanensis (Asian Swamp Eel) in Everglades National Park

Victoria G. Lippert¹, Kenneth A. Arrison², and Brandon A. Güell^1,*

¹Institute of Environment, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199. ²iPrep Academy, 1500 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL 33132. *Corresponding author.

Southeastern Naturalist, Volume 24, Issue 2 (2025): N9–N14

First published early online: 18 May 2025

Abstract
The rampant spread of the invasive Monopterus albus/javanensis (Asian Swamp Eel) across South Florida is a serious concern for the trophic objectives of restoration efforts in the Everglades. Its invasion has been associated with population collapses of several common macroinvertebrate and small fish species in the Everglades, yet we know little about its interactions with native prey or predators. Several species of wading birds have been documented preying on Asian Swamp Eels in Florida and Georgia; however, these reports remain scarce. Here, we present multiple observations of predation on Asian Swamp Eels in Everglades National Park, including photographic evidence of predation by 2 previously unreported species.

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