Common Name:
Mudpuppy
Scientific Name:
Necturus maculosus
Unique Qualities:
A mudpuppy never "grows up." Unlike other salamanders, it keeps its gills to breathe with and its tail fin all its life and never leaves the water. Since the lungs of the mudpuppy are poorly developed, it relies mainly on the external gills to absorb oxygen from the water.
Can be Seen:
Mudpuppies are found from southeast Manitoba to southern Quebec, southern Missouri and northern Georgia.
Likes to Hang Out:
Mudpuppies live in the bottom of weedy ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams. Mudpuppies are mainly nocturnal (active at night). During the day, mudpuppies hide in weeds, under rocks, and under logs.
Likes to Eat:
The crayfish is its favourite food. It also eats insects, fish and snails.
Status:
The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) has designated this toad not at risk of being endangered. It can adapt to various aquatic habitats. However, habitat destruction from siltation and pollution, and habitat loss due to development is a threat to some populations.
