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Description
The Mudpuppy is Canada's only completely aquatic salamander. It is gray to rusty-brown on top
with dark blue spots with a gray belly. It has feathery dark red external gills and has only
four toes on both the front and hind feet. Juvenile Mudpuppies are black with longitudinal
yellow stripes. Counting the tail, the mudpuppy can grow to over 40 cm in length.
Confusing Species
Adult Mudpuppies cannot be confused with any other salamander. Juvenile Mudpuppies can be
confused with the larvae of other semi-aquatic salamanders such as the
Northern Two-lined Salamander.
Distribution
Mudpuppies are largely restricted to the Great Lakes-St Lawrence Basin although they are also
found in southern Manitoba. In Canada they are limited to south-eastern Manitoba, southern
Ontario and southern Quebec. Outside of Canada, they are found as far south as Louisiana.
Habitat
Lakes, rivers and streams of almost all kinds are the habitat of the Mudpuppy. They have been
found in muddy, weed-choked streams as well as 30 m below the surface of Lake Michigan.
Reproduction
Breeding occurs in the spring. Females lay 30-190 eggs, one at a time, on the underside of
rocks along stream bottom. The larvae hatch within two months at approximately 2 cm total
length. It can take four to six years for the larvae to reach maturity.
Natural History
Mudpuppies are primarily nocturnal. During the day they are often found under rocks.
Mudpuppies are carnivourous feeding on worms, insects and small fish. Individuals that make it
to adulthood have few natural enemies and can live for over 30 years.
Conservation Concerns
Research on Mudpuppies in the St Lawrence River has found high levels of PCBs and
organochlorine pesticides in their eggs. At one site along the St Lawrence with the highest
levels of PCBs, over 60% of the Mudpuppies examined had limb deformities: missing toes, extra
toes, or other deformities. Otherwise, they are not considered to be at risk.
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