Description

Common in various bodies of water in its range of southeast Mississippi. Amphiumas are long, dark-bodied, and eel-like with very small vestigial appendages. They are the largest (by body size) genus of salamanders in the United States. Three-toed amphiumas often have three toes, however variations can be present.

Identifying Traits

• Dark long body with highly reduced limbs
• Usually found with three toes on each appendage, however individuals can vary

Habitat

Nearly any body of water (Powell et al., 2016)

Behavior

Ambush predator of fish, rarely leaves water. Often move after large rain events when wetlands or areas between suitable habitat are flooded.

Diet

Various small invertebrates, fish, amphibian larva (voracious feeders)