Mudpuppy is a large salamander that lives in American ponds, streams, lakes, and rivers. They may grow as much as 17 inches (43 centimeters) long, but an 8-inch (20-centimeter) animal may be full-grown.
The mudpuppy has a slimy body. It may be dark brown, gray-brown, or black, usually with darker spots. It has a powerful flat tail and four weak legs. It has deep purplish-red external gills behind its short, flat head. The mudpuppy is also called the water dog.
Mudpuppies live in the Great Lakes, the Mississippi River, and ponds and streams as far south as Georgia and as far west as Texas. Mudpuppies usually stay in 2 to 8 feet (0.6 to 2.4 meters) of fresh water, especially among water plants. They attach their yellow eggs to some object lying under about 4 feet (1.2 meters) of sunny water. The young are about 3/4 inch (19 millimeters) long when they hatch. Mudpuppies eat crayfish, fish eggs, and other water animals. They usually hunt during the hours of dawn or dusk. Mudpuppies may remain active throughout the year.
