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Mudpuppy

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description Mudpuppy Overview

The mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) is a large, permanently aquatic salamander native to the freshwater lakes, rivers, and ponds of eastern North America. It exhibits a trait known as neoteny, meaning it retains its bushy, bright-red external gills and aquatic lifestyle throughout its entire lifespan, never undergoing metamorphosis to live on land. The species is generally nocturnal and feeds on a varied diet of aquatic insects, crayfish, and small fish. Mudpuppies remain active throughout the year, often swimming freely beneath the ice during the winter months.

help Mudpuppy FAQ

Why does a mudpuppy keep its external gills as an adult?

Mudpuppies are permanently aquatic salamanders that retain larval features through adulthood, a condition called paedomorphosis. Their reddish, bushy external gills extract oxygen from the water throughout their lives.

Do mudpuppies really bark?

Mudpuppies received the nickname "waterdog" because people believed their vocalizations resembled a dog's bark. They can make faint squeaking or grunting sounds, but they do not produce a loud canine-style bark.

Are mudpuppies active beneath frozen lakes?

Yes, unlike many amphibians, mudpuppies remain active in cold water and can move and feed beneath winter ice. They inhabit lakes, rivers, and streams across parts of eastern and central North America.

Are mudpuppies poisonous or dangerous to handle?

Mudpuppies are not venomous and pose little danger to people, although any wild animal may struggle or bite when handled. Their scientific name is Necturus maculosus, and unnecessary handling can damage their delicate skin and gills.

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