Mudpuppy Habitat

Mudpuppies are freshwater amphibians native to North America. They go by the scientific name Necturus maculosus, and are sometimes also referred to as "water dogs."

  1. Size and Shape

    • Mudpuppies range in size from 20 cm to 33 cm in length from head to tail. They range in color from gray to brownish to black. One of their primary identifying features is their elongated body and four tiny legs. They look a bit like overgrown tadpoles.

    Habitat

    • Necturus maculosus lives in temperate regions where freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes can be found. They often spend time hidden beneath rocks or logs in streams, as they are relatively shy creatures.

    Water Depth

    • Mudpuppies spend most of their time in shallow water around small rivers or streams, or near the shores of lakes and ponds. However, mudpuppies have been found in bodies of water at depths as deep as 30 meters.

    Food Sources

    • Preferring to spend most of its time in water where its variety of aquatic prey can be found, Necturus maculosus feeds on crayfish, insect larvae, fish eggs, small fish, worms, snails, and even other amphibians.

    Predators

    • Mudpuppies must be wary of natural predators such as large fish, snakes, and birds. They have also been hunted by humans for fear that their consumption of game fish eggs may impact the local game fish population. However, there is no evidence to support mudpuppies' feeding habits having any effect on these populations.