Family: Amphiumidae, Amphiumas view all from this family

Description 18-45 3/4" (45.7-116.2 cm). Aquatic eel-like salamander; 4 tiny legs each with 2 toes. Uniformly dark gray to grayish brown above; belly lighter. Costal grooves average 58.

Breeding Lays eggs June to July in N. Carolina and n. Florida, January to February in s. Florida. Female lays about 200 eggs in a damp cavity beneath debris; remains coiled about them during incubation - about 5 months. Hatchlings are about 2 1/8" (54 mm) long, with light-colored gills lost soon after hatching.

Habitat Acid waters of swamps, bayous, drainage ditches.

Range Coastal plain from se. Virginia to Florida and e. Louisiana.

Discussion Nocturnal. Amphiumas are ill-tempered and can inflict a nasty bite. Their slippery skins make them difficult to handle. This species prowls shallow for crayfish, frogs, small snakes, and fish. It may leave water temporarily if weather is wet enough. For shelter it digs burrows in muddy bottoms or invades the burrows of other marine creatures. Long-lived; one is known to have survived 27 years in captivity.