|
The swamp eel is often found standing vertically on the bottom part of its elongated body while stretching toward the surface of the water with its head. This is because like some other fish of the purely tropical or subtropical fishes they can breathe atmospheric oxygen. The swamp eels supplementary respiratory organ is a gill sack that can be seen clearly as they stretch to breath. The head will often appear to be inflated in a pear like shape after the oxygen has been breathed in. The body of the swamp eel is snake like with unpaired fins and there is no swim bladder on this fish. Lying diagonally under the head, the swamp eel sports a striking gill opening that they are often distinguished by when being watched.
Swamp eels are highly adaptable fish whose anatomy leads one to believe that they are probably of a more recent origin. This fish has two suborders, Synbranchoidei and Alabetoidei, three families and eight different species which are found in both fresh and the brackish waters of tropical American, western Africa, Australia, south east Asia and Tasmania. These interesting creatures have a rather drab coloring with the body being typically a dirty brown. There are some areas of fleshy red and darker brown and some species have a small spotted markings. There is little known about the life habits of these fish although some of the smaller of the species have occasionally been kept in aquariums. But, since the swamp eel prefers to remain inactive or concealed it has raised very little interest for hobbyist.
Research and observation of the swamp eel has been done in the past that gives most of the information done today. In 1906 this fish was described by Volz in his reports. According to Volz the swamp eel lives mostly in swamps and streams, occasionally moving to flooded rice fields. Since this report the inhabitants of Thailand have confirmed that this is true. According to observations the swamp eel tends to collect in the deepest areas of the swamp regions when the dry season begins. According to one researcher they dig holes in areas where the ground is soft allowing only the front of the body to protrude outside their haven. Near these holes they for a foamy type of nest that is in shallow waters. Then the eggs are brought out to these nest to hatch. This has caused researchers to believe that the swamp eel has a definite form of brood care.
Locals of Thailand report that the female swamp eel watches over the eggs until they hatch. Young swamp eels reportedly stay at the surface of the water in shallow areas and group together in dense schools as the female stands guard by observing their surroundings. Although it is unknown whether the female defends the young from predators, observations have shown that a protective nature is prevalent. This fish is known to have a hearty appetite and feed on a wide assortment of prey. The Synbranchus marmoratus, which is another swamp eel found in Central America and the northern part of South America, is known for it's interesting color changes. Aquarium observers have reported that these color changes are related to the different states of the fish and ranges from brown, blue to black with a violet sheen. Swamp eels are used for human consumption in areas where they are found and often sold live in market places since they can survive without water for extended periods of time.
| 
