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

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 dark 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

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