Larval Amphibians - Salamanders

Mudpuppy

Necturus maculosus

Large; larvae length 160-200mm; spectacular tailed amphibian
Unlike the larvae of all other Ontario amphibians, the mudpuppy retains its larval gills into adulthood and never loses them
Young larvae have brownish black dorsum with yellowish stripe on each side of body extending well into tail; older larvae larger, reddish brown with black spots
Dorsal tail fin ends near point above vent.
Bushy gills may be large; smaller in water with high levels of dissolved oxygen; costal grooves present
Digits: 4 front, 4 hind (all other salamanders have 4 front, 5 hind digits, except the much smaller four-toed salamander)
Eggs: attached individually in groups under rocks and logs in water
Habitat: permanent water of creeks, bays, rivers or lakes

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