Monopterus is a genus of swamp eels native to Asia.

[2] They live in various freshwater habitats and some have a fossorial lifestyle.

[3] Four recognized species are placed in this genus: Six species from South Asia (M. cuchia, M. desilvai, M. hodgarti, M. fossorius, M. ichthyophoides, and M. indicus) have been reclassified to the genus Ophichthys.

[4] Four fossorial or subterranean species (M. digressus, M. eapeni, M. rongsaw, and M. roseni) from India have been reclassified to the genus Rakthamichthys.

[5] Two species from Africa (M. boueti and M. luticolus) have been reclassified to the genus Typhlosynbranchus.