Amphiuma is a large water-dwelling salamander with a long body and small, short limbs. It lives in the coastal plain of the southeastern United States. The coastal plain is a flat, low-lying region along the ocean. There are three species (kinds) of Amphiuma, distinguished by the number of toes on each of their four limbs. The one-toed Amphiuma is the smallest species. It grows to only about 13 inches (33 centimeters) long. The two-toed Amphiuma is the largest North American amphibian and may grow to 46 inches (116 centimeters) long. The three-toed Amphiuma may grow 40 inches (100 centimeters) long.
Amphiumas may be gray, black, or brown. Adults lack eyelids and external gills, but they have lungs and a pair of gill slits. Amphiumas live in areas of slow-moving or still water, such as ditches, marshes, ponds, swamps, and temporary pools. They can also be found sheltering under logs when the weather is cold. During droughts, Amphiumas hide in burrows and can live without food for as long as three years. Amphiumas eat a variety of prey, such as clams, crayfish, earthworms, fish, frogs, insects, and other salamanders. They have strong jaws with a double row of razor sharp teeth, which can deliver a painful bite. Snakes and large wading birds prey on Amphiumas.
A female Amphiuma lays a long string of 50 to 200 eggs and coils around them for protection. The eggs hatch in about 4 to 6 months. Amphiumas may live as long as 27 years in captivity.
