An analysis of DNA confirms that the eel-like creature found in a Florida canal two-years ago is a caecilian. This raises concerns about the possibility that the non-native amphibian may have taken root in the United States.AdvertisementThis is the first documented caecilian record in Florida, or anywhere else in the United States to our knowledge according to new research published in Reptiles & Amphibians.Members of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission captured the 2 foot-long specimen in Miamis Tamiami Canal on November 7, 2019. The FWC personnel were performing a routine survey of this canal when they found the one-live specimen in shallow waters close to Miami International Airport.This could just be another non-native species that is part of the South Florida mix.After attempts to feed the animal failed, the animal died in captivity. The specimen was sent to the Florida Museum of Natural History where geneticists confirmed that it was Typhlonectes. This specimen was distinguished from Typhlonectes compressicauda which is a common species in South America, thanks to DNA analysis. Typhlonectes Natans, also known as the Rio Cauca caecilian or Typhlonectes compressicauda, is a native of Colombia and Venezuela. FWC members received many more specimens and reports of sightings within the C-4 Canal since the capture of this unassuming little guy.Caecilians don't eat picky, but they will eat a variety of small animals. Siphonops annulatus is one species of terrestrial caecilian that might be venomous. Their range is as wide as the Western Hemisphere. They can be found in southern Mexico and tropical Africa, as well as southeast Asia. Modern caecilians' ancestors lived in North America around 170 million years ago. However, these creatures are not known to be found in this region of the globe. Caecilians prefer warm, shallow, slow-moving bodies with aquatic vegetation.AdvertisementColeman Sheehy (manager of the Florida Museums' herpetology collection) explained that parts of the C-4 Canal look exactly like this in a statement. This environment may be a place where the species can thrive.Researchers suspect that the caecilian was discarded pets. Typhlonectes Natans, the most common species in the caecilian pet market, is capable of reproducing in captivity.AdvertisementThe next important steps are to find out how many caecilians live in the canal and how far they have spread. Also, whether the species has established itself within the canal. This non-native species could have a significant ecological impact on the canal, which is a potential avenue for further research.AdvertisementAlthough very little is known about them in the wild, Coleman said that they don't appear to be dangerous or serious predators. They will likely eat small animals, and then get eaten by larger animals. This could just be another non-native species that is part of the South Florida mix.Caecilians are shy and have poor eyesight. However, a special sense organ between their eyes is able to help them find food. Typhlonectes Natans prefers freshwater, while some species prefer to burrow underground. These animals don't belong to snakes or worms and are instead part of the Gymnophiona family of amphibians. Frogs, salamanders and salamanders are all part of a different order.AdvertisementFlorida is not a stranger to non-native animals. Florida recently banned the sale invasive reptiles because of the proliferation of snakes and iguanas that have escaped.
