Hellbender

Scientific Name: Cryptobranchus alleganiensis
Size: 9-16 inches (24-40 cm) in length
PA Status: Species of special concern

Habitat Type:
Cold fast-flowing medium-sized streams and large rivers with gravel or sandy bottoms and large rocks.

Colorations:

  • The dorsal background is yellowish brown, greenish brown, blackish brown or slate grey with irregular bark blotches.
  • The ventral color is similar to the dorsal background.

Characteristics:

  • Large and stout species.
  • The body and head are strongly compressed dorsolaterally.
  • The neck and sides of the body have wrinkled folds of skin.
  • The tail is laterally compressed with a well-developed dorsal caudal fin that is located on the back just behind the hind legs.
  • The legs have posterior projecting folds of skin and are short and squat.
  • The fingers an toes are thick and blunt.
  • The head is large and set off from the body by a slightly distinct neck.
  • The eyes are small, lack lids and are located on top of the head.
  • The chin is extremely wrinkled with a well developed gular fold.
  • The gill slits are locate on the side of the head.

Recently morphed coloration and characteristics:

  • Individuals have maculations on the tail and limbs.

Larvae coloration and characteristics:

  • One month old larvae have a uniformed dark dorsal and white ventral.
  • Six month old larvae begins to develop dark spots and slightly pigmented ventral.
  • One to Two year old larvae begins to develop dorsal spots and blotches.
  • Mature larvae - The dorsal and lateral surface and appendages have dark maculations.
  • Mature larvae - The ventral is slightly lighter than the dorsum.
  • Larvae have well-developed external gills.

Hatchling coloration and characteristics:

  • The dorsal is uniformed in color.
  • The yolk sac is present.
  • Lacks functional limbs.

Confused with:

  • Mudpuppy

Coloration/Pattern Photos:
Adults
Hellbender - By: Rex Everett Hellbender - By: Tom Diez Hellbender - By: Tom Diez
Hellbender - By: Tom Diez Hellbender - By: Wayne Fidler

Range Map:

References:

  • Hulse, C. and McCoy C. J. and Ellen Censky ,1998. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. 39-43pp.
  • Petranka, James W. ,1998. Salamanders of the United States and Canada. 140-144pp.

Photo Credits:

  • Tom Diez
  • Rex Everett
  • Wayne Fidler