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Molecular Forensics of Introduced Swamp Eels (Synbranchidae)
Timothy Collins, Matthew Osentoski
Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL
Leo G. Nico, Florida Caribbean Science Center
U.S. Geological Survey, Gainesville, FL
Synbranchid eels within the Asian genus Monopterus have been found in several
regions of the southeastern United States and in Hawaii. These same forms are
sold live in fish markets and the pet trade in some U. S. cities. Established
populations have been identified from near Atlanta, Georgia as well as near
Tampa and North Miami, Florida. The most recent population to be discovered is
in close proximity to Everglades National Park in Homestead, Florida. Swamp
eels are predators capable of dispersal over land and therefore have the potential
to disrupt already threatened ecosystems. We carried out phylogenetic analyses of
the known populations from the U.S., as well market samples and samples from
the native ranges of these species. We gathered nucleotide sequence data from the
mitochondrial 12S and 16S rRNA genes, and two nuclear genes to determine the
pattern/level of genetic variation in introduced and native swamp eel populations
in order to (1) identify distinct lineages and species (2) look for evidence of
hybridization among lineages (3) identify introduction pathways.
Our results to date indicate that the swamp eels in the U.S. represent at least four
genetically distinct lineages that trace to different native source populations. Some
Florida populations are more closely related to Chinese samples, while others are
most closely related to populations and fish market samples from Vietnam,
Indonesia, and Malaysia. The Georgia and Hawaiian populations are related to
Japanese and Korean populations. These lineages differ in traits that are relevant
to their dispersal, control and management, and potential effects on ecosystems
where they have been introduced.
Timothy Collins, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International
University, OE 212 Miami, FL 33199 Phone: 305-348-1730, Fax: 305-348-1986,
CollinsT@FIU.EDU, Oral, Ecology and Ecological Modeling.