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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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