The common mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) is a neat salamander that is aquatic in all life stages. Most salamander juveniles have external gills, but the mudpuppy retains these gills even into adulthood and needs to stay in the water to breathe properly. In poorly oxygenated water the gills are large and red. In well oxygenated water they are quite small, such in this example where they can just barely be seen in front of the front leg.
These are some of the largest salamanders, which are typically about 11 inches long but are known to reach 16 inches, although the one in the photo is only about six inches long. There are various reports that these salamanders can bark a bit like a dog, and various reports that this is a rural legend. I honestly do not know but I've never heard one bark.
These are some of the largest salamanders, which are typically about 11 inches long but are known to reach 16 inches, although the one in the photo is only about six inches long. There are various reports that these salamanders can bark a bit like a dog, and various reports that this is a rural legend. I honestly do not know but I've never heard one bark.
Common mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) from the Otter Creek trailhead at 1am (they are nocturnal)
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