 |
|
|---|---|
Urodela: Proteidae - Waterdogs & Mudpuppies
|
|
| Proteid salamanders are aquatic and the adults retain filamentous gills and caudal fins. They are found in North American and Europe, but fossils from Asia's Miocene are known (a Laurasian distribution). There are two genera with about six species, the European Proteus anguinus and five species of the North American Necturus. Reproductive behaviors occur under water and the eggs are deposited on the underside of stones. | |
 |
The Mudpuppy, Necturus maculosa. Captive specimen from Illinois, USA. Adult mudpuppies are usually in the 25-30 cm range, but this species may reach 468 mm. It inhabits streams and lakes, and has been found at depths of up to 90 feet, but usually uses shallower water. These salamanders are predators and feed on a variety of aquatic fauna. |
 |
|
| All text and photographs copyright © John C. Murphy. All rights reserved worldwide. The content of this site is made available for purposes of researching images offered for license by John C. Murphy. No image is to be copied, duplicated, modified or redistributed in whole or part without the prior written permission of JCM Natural History Photography. Email: jcm@jcmnaturalhistory.com | |