The mudpuppy, an aquatic salamander, spends its entire life submerged in water, unlike many other amphibians. Its common name stems from a mistaken belief that the grunting sound it can produce resembles a dog’s bark. These creatures are recognized by their prominent external gills, which remain visible throughout their lives.
Unveiling the Mudpuppy
The mudpuppy is an amphibian, a type of salamander belonging to the genus Necturus. Its scientific name, Necturus maculosus, identifies it within the family Proteidae. A defining characteristic is its neoteny, meaning it retains larval features, such as external gills, into adulthood and does not undergo complete metamorphosis like many other amphibians. This fully aquatic lifestyle means it remains in water. Mudpuppies are native to eastern North America, with their range extending across parts of Canada and the eastern United States.
Distinctive Features
Its feathery, bright red external gills are located behind its head. These bushy gills allow the mudpuppy to absorb oxygen directly from the water. The mudpuppy possesses an elongated, flattened body, a broad, flat head, and a vertically flattened tail adapted for movement in water. Its short, stubby limbs each end in four toes.
The skin of a mudpuppy is smooth and slimy, often displaying a mottled pattern or scattered spots. Their coloration ranges from rusty brown to gray or black, with darker spots that can merge into stripes. These salamanders measure between 8 to 16 inches (20 to 41 cm) in total length. Their permeable skin also makes them sensitive to changes in their aquatic environment.
Life in the Water
Mudpuppies inhabit permanent bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and streams. They prefer areas with murky conditions or dense aquatic vegetation, and seek out cold, oxygen-rich waters. During daylight hours, they remain hidden under rocks, logs, or other forms of cover, emerging to hunt at night. Their diet consists of various aquatic prey, including insects and their larvae, mollusks, annelids, crayfish, small fish, and amphibian larvae.
These salamanders are secretive and solitary, moving slowly along the bottom of their aquatic habitats. Reproduction occurs in the fall or winter, with females laying an average of 60 eggs. Mudpuppies are harmless to humans and are considered indicators of water quality. Their sensitivity to pollutants means their presence signals a healthy aquatic ecosystem.