FLORIDA, USA — Multiple agencies are urging Floridians to report sightings of an invasive Asian swamp eel species.

In a news release shared with First Coast News on Wednesday, the University of Florida, in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other agencies, says the public should report sightings of the invasive eel, as scientists are “concerned” about its potential invasion in new waterways.

The release states that the eel, scientifically known as Monopterus albus, was detected in Florida’s waterways in 1997, adding that it’s “a unique, air-breathing fish native to Southeast Asia, thriving in muddy, stagnant waters.”

Researchers say the species has established itself in several parts of the country, including Georgia and Hawaii.

“There is increased concern about their population growth throughout the southeast, particularly Florida,” the release states. “Scientists are concerned about the potential for invasion in new waterways and the detrimental effects it could have on Florida’s biodiversity. Additionally, there are concerns about unknown impacts on freshwater systems, which support recreational and commercial fishing industries.”

Paul Evans, research coordinator for the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ Invasion Science Research Institute, said in the release the eel is a “novel predator” to Florida.

“Florida’s aquatic habitats are vital to our ecosystem and economy, and invasive species like the swamp eel can cause irreversible damage to our biodiversity,” Evans said in the release.

Here is what scientists know, according to the release, about the Asian swamp eel:

• Known for their ability to thrive in a variety of aquatic environments
• Highly adaptable and capable of surviving in a variety of environments, from slow-moving streams to marshes and wetlands
• Opportunistic feeders, consuming a wide range of prey including small fish, amphibians and invertebrates
• Has the potential to disrupt food webs and harm native biodiversity, leading to ecological shifts in affected areas
• Can reproduce prolifically, making it difficult to control their population once they become established
• Commonly sold as bait which can lead to unintentional baits, and is released as a part of a cultural practices

“Public involvement is critical in identifying and managing the spread of swamp eels,” Evans also said in the release. “There is so much more we need to learn and all that starts with identifying them and raising awareness.”

Floridians spending their time around the state’s waterways are urged to report the invasive Asian swamp eel through the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species’ website, EDDMapS’ website or app, or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s 888-Ive-Got-1 hotline.