PA’s Amphibian and Reptile Coloring Series Common Mudpuppy

All About Me: Hi! I am a Mudpuppy. Only one other salamander in Pennsylvania, the Hellbender, grows larger than we do. As an adult, we reach an impressive 8 to 13 inches long. We are permanent larvae, using external gills our entire lives. We are thoroughly aquatic and nocturnal, although we may be active even during the day in muddy or turbid water. Our most striking characteristic are the large, feathery red gills billowing out from behind each side of our heads. Our legs are short but strong. Our tails are shaped like a rudder. Our tail fins are occasionally tinted with orange or reddish pigments. Our small eyes have no eyelids. We have four toes on the front and hind feet. We are gray to rusty brown on our backs with dark blue-black spots. Our spots have irregular edges and are separated from one another. Our pale bellies are usually gray and accented with dark spots. A dark stripe runs through each eye. Fifteen or 16 costal grooves mark each of our sides. In Pennsylvania, we appear primarily in the Ohio River and Lake Erie watersheds, both part of our original range. We are found in lakes, rivers and streams. Although we prefer clear, swift water, we can be found in waters ranging from shallow, muddy, ponds with thick stands of aquatic plants to cool, clear, deep pools and lakes. We like to spend our days hidden beneath underwater structures, venturing out at night in search of prey. We feed on just about any aquatic animal we can capture. Crayfish are a favorite food, but worms, insects, small fish, and fish eggs mix up our diet.

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