Heads up Florida. Say hello to your new neighbor, the Asian swamp eel.

The swamp eel is one of the latest — and unwelcome — invasive species seen in the Sunshine State and officials want the public's help to report sightings of the nocturnal fish that could be the latest threat to Florida's waterways and the Everglades.

Here's what you should know about the Asian swamp eel and how you can help researchers.

What is the Asian swamp eel?

Scientifically known as Monopterus albus , the Asian swamp eel is a unique, air-breathing fish native to Southeast Asia, according to the University of Florida.

What sort of habitat can the swamp eel, also known as rice eel, be found?

The Asian swamp eel thrives in muddy, stagnant waters, according to the University of Florida.

The exotic creature is a highly adaptable predator, able to breathe air and to live easily in even a few inches of water, especially in warm climates, and is well suited for all kinds of habitats , according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

"We expect this foreign fish to rapidly occupy natural wetland habitats," said Dr. Leo Nico, a biologist with the USGS Florida Caribbean Science Center in Gainesville.

When was the Asian swamp eel first spotted in Florida?

The Asian swamp eel was first detected in Florida in 1997 near Tampa and Miami, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

In late summer 1997, USGS researchers discovered a population of swamp eels while sampling fishes in ditches, canals and streams flowing into Tampa Bay on Florida's Gulf Coast.

At about the same time, students from Florida International University in Miami netted several small swamp eels while collecting aquatic plants from an artificial lake north of Miami, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Why are officials concerned about the swamp eel?

The species has established itself in numerous areas in the U.S. and there is increased concern about their population growth throughout the Southeast, particularly Florida.

"The species is spreading and has the capability of invading and harming freshwater ecosystems throughout the Southeast, including the already-besieged Everglades system," according to the U.S. Geological Survey scientists who found the species in Florida.

"This species exhibits unusual behavior, appearance and adaptations," Nico said.

"It has the potential to spread into freshwater ecosystems throughout the Southeast where it could compete with or prey upon native fishes. Imagine a creature with all the attributes necessary to successfully invade and colonize the Everglades and other southeastern wetlands . Well, the swamp eel may be that creature," Nico said.

The lakes, streams, canals and swamps of Florida and the Southeast are ideal habitats for these eels, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

"One major concern is for the Everglades ecosystem , not only Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve, but the surrounding wetlands as well," Nico said. "At this point, the best outlook would be if the eel becomes a favorite food item of native predators such as alligators or water snakes."

"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," the University of Florida said in a news release.

"Invasive species like the swamp eel can cause irreversible damage to our biodiversity,” said Paul Evans , research coordinator for the UF/IFAS Invasion Science Research Institute .

“Like any invasive species their function as a novel predator is what is most harmful to our native species.”

Swamp eels can breathe air, moving across land to new habitat

Another trait that could help the eels successfully colonize southeastern waterways is that swamp eels are air breathers , enabling them to survive long dry spells. In fact, said Nico, their use of air is so efficient that the eels can readily migrate short distances across land from one water body to another.

Of particular concern to scientists and resource managers is the ability of swamp eels to thrive in a wide variety of natural habitats and in adverse conditions . In addition to marsh and swamp habitats. Nico said the fish survives well in ponds, canals, roadside ditches and rice fields — "just about any freshwater habitat with a few inches of water."

How can you identify a swamp eel in Florida?

They can reach lengths of three feet or more, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Most swamp eels in Florida are olive-drab brown in color with yellow-orange bellies (as shown above). However, some specimens are brightly colored with variations of orange, pink, and a calico pattern, according to the USGC.

What do swamp eels eat?

Swamp eels are predators, feeding on animals such as worms, insects, shrimp, crayfish, other fishes and frogs.

Swamp eel trivia

Where did the swamp eel come from? Escape artist or released pet?

Scientists said they suspect the swamp eel may have escaped from a tropical fish farm or have been a pet released from an aquarium. The species, they believe, is already firmly established in Florida , according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Where in the U.S. has the swamp eel been seen?

The species has established itself in numerous parts of the country, according to the University of Florida.

In 1995, swamp eels were found in several ponds at the Chattahoochee Nature Center north of Atlanta, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. In Georgia, scientists suspect the swamp eel may have spread to other parts of the Chattahoochee River system.

"In Georgia, entire groups of fish have disappeared from one impoundment populated by the eels, making Florida scientists especially aware of the potential effect of this species on the state's native fish communities."

Who do you call if you see a swamp eel?

The University of Florida, in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is asking for the public to help by reporting sightings of the invasive Asian swamp eel.

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

People in Florida’s waterways are urged to report via the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species website , EDDMapS website or App or FWC’s 888-Ive-Got-1 hotline.