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How did Asian swamp eels get here?

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Episode:
165

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Welcome to CoreFacts, where we're always short on time and big on science. I'm Brian Campbell. Today's question is …

How did Asian swamp eels get here?

The method of introduction is not known. The eel may have been introduced as a result of aquarium releases or a fish-farm escape. Chinese immigrants who wanted to propagate the animal as a food fish reportedly brought the eel to Hawaii. Similarly, it is possible that individuals who wanted to establish it as a food fish illegally released eels into open waters in Georgia or Florida.

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