The swamp eel, Monopterus sp. Cf. M. Albus, in the Chattahoochee River system, Fulton County, Georgia
Author(s)
Straight, Carrie A.
Reinert, Thomas R.
Freeman, Byron J.
Shelton, Jay
Advisor(s)
Editor(s)
Hatcher, Kathryn J.
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Abstract
In the mid 1990’s, researchers discovered a member of the swamp eel, family Synbranchidae, inhabiting the ponds at the Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC). The swamp eel (Monopterus albus) is the species most similar to eels found at the CNC, although recent genetic studies indicate the CNC specimens are most likely a separate species. Swamp eels are air breathing and highly adaptable and could interfere with ecosystem function through competition with native fish species in the Chattahoochee River system if their population spreads beyond CNC boundaries. This study investigates the role of Monopterus sp. cf. M. albus in the food web of one CNC pond. Eels in this pond appear to occupy a similar trophic position as an insectivorous fish, Gambusia sp., with Lepomis and Micropterus remaining the top predators in this particular system.
Sponsor
Sponsored by:
Georgia Environmental Protection Division
U.S. Geological Survey, Georgia Water Science Center
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Water Resources Institute
The University of Georgia, Water Resources Faculty
Date
2005-04
Extent
Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Proceedings