Amphiuma tridactylum
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| Amphiuma tridactylum Cuvier, 1827 |
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Amphiuma means tridactylum |
The Three-toed Amphiuma (Amphiuma tridactylum) is a species of aquatic salamander native to the southeastern United States.
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[edit] Description
The three-toed amphiuma looks rather eel-like, with an elongate, dark grey-black, or brown colored body, and tiny vestigial legs. They are capable of growing to lengths of 41 inches (1 m). They have small, lidless eyes, and gill slits.
[edit] Distribution
The three-toed amphiuma is found in the United States, along the Gulf of Mexico states, from Alabama to Texas, and north to Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky.
[edit] Behavior
Amphiuma are nocturnal carnivores. They spend most of the time hiding in heavily vegetated areas of permanent bodies of slow moving water, such as swamps, ponds and lakes. They feed on earthworms, fish, crustaceans, and other small invertebrates.
[edit] References
- Hammerson (2004). Amphiuma tridactylum. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 12 May 2006. Database entry includes a range map and justification for why this species is of least concern
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