Larval Amphibians - Salamanders
Mudpuppy

- 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
