Mudpuppies

This passage is about a type of salamander known as a mudpuppy.

Lexile Level: 850L

Categories: Animals & Nature

Mudpuppies, also called waterdogs, aren't dogs at all. They are a type of salamander that got the name because mudpuppies make a squeaky noise that sounds similar to a dog's bark. Mudpuppies are among the largest salamanders. They can grow to be 16 inches, although most average around 11 inches. Female mudpuppies are the only salamander that guards its eggs until they hatch. Mudpuppies never leave the water. Although they swim quite well, they live on the bottom of rivers, lakes, ponds, and streams. Many fishermen who hook one will cut their lines rather than touch a slimy mudpuppy because many fishermen mistakenly believe they are poisonous. In fact, mudpuppies are harmless. They are found from southern Canada through the Midwest to the southern United States. Mudpuppies feed at night on crayfish, worms, snails, or whatever else they can find. During the day, they hide under rocks and logs. Mudpuppies are mostly gray or brownish-gray with blue-black blotches. They have orange or red tinges along their tail fins. Their colors fade as they age.