Amphíumas

Amphíumas are a genus of aquatic salamanders belonging to the family Amphiumidae. Commonly known as congo eels or mud sirens, these amphibians are native to the southeastern United States. Amphíumas are characterized by their long, eel-like bodies, smooth skin, and vestigial limbs that are typically reduced to two small, clawed appendages on each side. They possess three species: Amphiuma pholeter, Amphiuma means, and Amphiuma tridactylum.

These salamanders are primarily nocturnal and inhabit slow-moving, muddy waters such as swamps, marshes, ditches, and slow streams. They are carnivorous, feeding on a variety of small aquatic animals including fish, crayfish, frogs, and insects. Amphíumas are capable of breathing air through lungs, in addition to absorbing oxygen through their skin, allowing them to survive in oxygen-poor environments.

A notable characteristic of amphíumas is their ability to burrow into the mud and remain there for extended periods, especially during dry seasons or when their aquatic habitat is threatened. They are also known for their strong bite, which can inflict painful wounds. Despite their fearsome appearance and bite, amphíumas are generally not considered dangerous to humans, though caution is advised when handling them. Reproduction involves internal fertilization, and females lay large, yolky eggs, which they guard until hatching. The larvae are aquatic and possess external gills, which are lost as they mature into adults.