Common Mudpuppy

Description:

Mudpuppies are large aquatic salamanders that can reach 17 inches in length. Mudpuppies are neotenic salamanders, meaning that their body never matures into an adult. They maintain the characteristics of salamander larvae. Their large, stout body-size in combination with their bushy, red external gills make them easy to identify. The mudpuppy's color varies from grey to brown to black, with darker blue/black spotting. The belly is a lighter shade and also may have spotting. There are usually dark stripes running across the face through the eyes. The legs appear small compared to the body, but are well developed. Their tail is laterally flattened. They become active at night when they forage for food items such as crayfish, small fishes, amphibians, mollusks, worms, and aquatic insects. Fall breeding activities take place in the shallow waters of lakes and streams at depths ranging from only decimeters to several meters, where retreats beneath rock slabs, logs, or planks occur. Sperm are stored in spermatheca over winter. Ovulation followed by delayed fertilization and spawning occur in the spring, from April–June; timing is dependent upon water temperature. Locally, most females spawn within a 2–3 wk period.

Habitat:

Mudpuppies are found in both clear and silted waters of lakes, reservoirs, canals, ditches, and streams in the presence or absence of aquatic plants. Large populations may be present where retreats, such as flat rock slabs, logs, and planks are numerous. Lentic streams with mud substrates, crayfish burrows, undercut banks, and tree roots provide suitable habitat.