#pseudobranchus

[herpsandbirds]

Northern Dwarf Siren (Pseudobranchus striatus), family Sirenidae, found in the SE United States

An aquatic eel-like salamander with external gills.

Reaches a max. length of up to 9.9 in (25 cm).

photograph via: UGA Coastal Ecology Lab

[dendroica]

A dwarf siren salamander aglow with bioflourescence. Research suggests the ability to emit the flourescent glow after absorbing light energy may be widespread in amphibians including salamanders and frogs

Photograph: Jennifer Y Lamb/Matthew P Davis/PA

(via The week in wildlife – in pictures | Environment | The Guardian)

[libutron]

Narrow-Striped Dwarf Siren

Dwarf sirens are amazing creatures. They are eel-like aquatic salamanders that lack rear legs and retain external gills throughout life. In general, dwarf sirens are only found in the southeastern United State (they are endemics), and belong to the genus Pseudobranchus (Caudata - Sirenidae)

Dwarf sirens can reach an adult size of 12-19 cm, and can be distinguished because they only have three toes on each of their two feet (front).

There are two species of dwarf sirens recognized, the Northern Dwarf Siren (Pseudobranchus striatus), and the southern Dwarf Siren (Pseudobranchus axanthus), each with some subspecies. Specimen shown belong to subspecies Pseudobranchus axanthus axanthus, commonly named Narrow-Striped Dwarf Siren, found in Peninsular Florida, US.

Reference: [1]

Photo credit: ©Pierson Hill

Locality: Lake Co, Florida, US