Mudpuppy: Can This Aquatic Salamander With External Gills Also Breathe Underwater?

Mudpuppies, scientific name Necturus maculosus, are fascinating amphibians with a prehistoric aura that captivates anyone fortunate enough to encounter them in their natural habitat. Found primarily in the cool, clear streams and rivers of eastern North America, these salamanders defy typical amphibian norms by sporting external gills, reminiscent of ancient aquatic creatures.

Mudpuppies belong to the family Proteidae, which includes other intriguing salamanders like the olm and the Mexican axolotl. Their most distinctive feature is undeniably their feathery external gills, red or pink in color, extending from behind their head. These gills, responsible for absorbing oxygen directly from the water, give them a distinctly “primitive” appearance compared to other salamanders that have evolved lungs for breathing air.

Despite these external gills, mudpuppies can actually absorb some oxygen through their skin as well! This ability, coupled with their slow metabolism and tolerance for cold temperatures, allows them to thrive in oxygen-poor waters, often burrowing beneath rocks or logs during the day.

Morphology and Appearance:

Mudpuppies are characterized by their stout, cylindrical bodies, typically reaching lengths of 8 to 17 inches (20 to 43 centimeters). Their skin is smooth and slimy, ranging in color from brownish-gray to black, often speckled with darker spots.

Their eyes are small and beady, located on the top of their head. This positioning allows them to see while submerged, even when partially buried in sediment. Their four short limbs, equipped with five toes each, are not particularly strong but aid in navigating murky waters and maneuvering among rocks. They possess a relatively long, muscular tail, which propels them through the water with surprising agility.

Lifestyle and Habits:

Mudpuppies are primarily nocturnal, emerging from their hiding places under cover of darkness to hunt for food. Their diet consists mainly of aquatic invertebrates such as insects, crustaceans, worms, and snails. They use a combination of scent and sight to locate prey, often ambushing it with a sudden lunge.

These salamanders exhibit an interesting behavior known as “luring”. When they sense vibrations in the water, they may wiggle their tails and body to mimic the movement of a small invertebrate, attracting unsuspecting prey within striking distance.

Mudpuppies are generally solitary creatures, except during the breeding season when males establish territories and compete for females. Females lay eggs in clusters beneath rocks or logs, carefully guarding them until they hatch. The larvae emerge with external gills, just like their parents, and undergo metamorphosis into adults over a period of several months.

Conservation Status:

While mudpuppies are currently listed as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), they face growing threats from habitat loss due to pollution, dam construction, and urban development.

Climate change further exacerbates these challenges by altering water temperatures and flows, impacting the delicate balance of their aquatic ecosystem. Conservation efforts focused on preserving clean water sources, restoring riparian habitats, and mitigating the effects of climate change are crucial for ensuring the long-term survival of this remarkable salamander.

Mudpuppies serve as a reminder that even in seemingly ordinary creatures, there lies extraordinary beauty and complexity waiting to be discovered. Their unique evolutionary adaptations, fascinating behaviors, and vulnerability to human impact highlight the importance of protecting biodiversity and preserving the delicate web of life.