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Hellbender
Cryptobranchus a.alleganiensis
Image by Andrew Hoffman, 2007
Description
Large aquatic salamander. Typically brown to grayish but also olive to dark brown with flat, wide head and tiny eyes. May have dark blotches and flecks on back. Wrinkled, fleshy folds of skin run from head, along sides to base of tail. Spends much of its time beneath large flat rocks. Active at night and overcast days.
Stats
Size
11 – 25 inches
Status
Endangered
Similar Species
Mudpuppy
Diet
Mostly crayfish but will consume earthworms, fish, and invertebrates
Habitat
Found in clean, cool, well aerated rivers and streams with ample rock cover.
Reproduction
Males build nests beneath large rocks using small stones. Females soon deposit long strands of eggs.
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