Reading Frenzy SOL Review 1 Asian Eels

Read this short passage. Then answer the questions.

A Slippery Problem

Large numbers of Asian eels are eating up the small fish in ponds near Atlanta, Georgia. Without this important food source, the ponds' bigger fish may starve to death. To make matters worse, this eel problem could spread to other areas.

The Asian eel is native to Southeast Asia and Australia. So how did these invaders get into the U. S. ponds? Scientists believe that pet owners put them there. Baby Asian eels look like colorful little ribbons. As adults, however, they grow to three-feet long. Scientist say fish tank owners who didn't realize they were raising such monsters set the adult eels free.

It may sound kind but releasing the eels into the wild was the wrong thing to do, say scientist. The release has upset the ecosystem and may cause some native species to die out in the ponds.