Proteidae - mudpuppies, waterdogs
 There are six species in this family. They are
neotenic. That means they retain the characteristics they had when the were larvae. They are found in North America and
southeastern
Europe. The species in this family are aquatic. They have
feathery,
red,
maroon, or purple
external gills and a fin-like tail. Most species are 8-15 inches in length. They live in
streams, rivers, and lakes and spend the day hidden under rocks, logs, or other debris. They hunt for invertebrates at night.
Their eggs are fertilized inside the female. She lays her eggs in water under a log or a stone. In some species in this family, the male or the female may guard the eggs. One species in this family,
the blind cave salamander, lives in limestone caves in southeastern
Europe.
 Endangered in N.H.
|
 Threatened in N.H.
|
 Introduced
|
 Endangered in U.S.
|
 Threatened in U.S.
|
|
| New Hampshire Species |
|
Other North American Species |
Mudpuppy
|
|
Alabama Waterdog
Gulf Coast Waterdog
Neuse River Waterdog
Dwarf Waterdog |
|
)