Gulf Coast Waterdog
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Scientific Name:
Necturus beyeri Aquatic
Native
Salamanders
Description
Brown with light brown and black speckles. Adults range in size from 6 to 8.5 inches. Adults retain bushy external gills and larva-like tail. Has four toes on front and hind feet. Hatchlings are mottled with a few light spots on the back.
Range and Habitat
Lower coastal plain from Texas to the Mobile Bay drainage in Alabama. Occur in streams with sandy bottoms. Bottom dweller; can burrow in sandy bottom. In Louisiana, closely associated with leaf litter in streams.
Behavior
In Louisiana, diet of juveniles and subadults includes mainly isopods, midges, and small mayflies; adult diet is mainly large mayflies and caddisflies. Nocturnal and more active during the winter months. In April through June, females lay clutches of 37 to 67 eggs and attach them to aquatic debris.
Population Status
Ranked as S3 (rare) in Louisiana and in most of its range. Stream siltation and pollution are probable threats.