Species Reptiles & AmphibiansMudpuppy

Mudpuppy

Necturus maculosus

UncommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus)

The Mudpuppy is a fully aquatic, permanently neotenic salamander that keeps its bushy red gills throughout life. Despite its name, it does not bark. It is active year-round, even under ice in winter.

Habitat
Lakes, rivers, and streams with rocky bottoms and abundant cover
Diet
Crayfish, insects, fish, and worms
How common
Uncommon

Recent Mudpuppy sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Mudpuppy? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.

Get Huck — free

More reptiles & amphibians

African Clawed Frog
African Clawed Frog
Xenopus laevis
Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander
Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander
Desmognathus ochrophaeus
Alligator Snapping Turtle
Alligator Snapping Turtle
Macrochelys temminckii
American Alligator
American Alligator
Alligator mississippiensis
American Bullfrog
American Bullfrog
Lithobates catesbeianus
American Crocodile
American Crocodile
Crocodylus acutus
American Toad
American Toad
Anaxyrus americanus
Arboreal Salamander
Arboreal Salamander
Aneides lugubris