Gulf Coast Waterdog

Range

The Gulf Coast waterdog or Necturus Beyeri is endemic to the southeastern United States. Its range includes, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi and Texas.

Habitats

This species inhabits streams having sandy bottoms. The Gulf Coast waterdog or Necturus Beyeri can also be found in large rivers and standing backwater. It could hide in debris, remain on the substrate or burrow into it. This species consumes fish, eggs, aquatic mollusks, worms and other small aquatic life forms. The fertilization process is made feasible by spermatophores. To offer protection from aquatic predators, eggs are often laid on the bottom surface of debris.

Identification

The adults of the Gulf Coast Waterdog or Necturus Beyeri are usually 6 to 8.5 inches in length with a light brown color skin having black speckles or spots that have a net-like structure. The spots are usually irregular in shape and arranged. Some individual members may have a dark stripe through the eye. It shows a delay in the physiological development of its members during growth process thus exhibiting neoteny. This species also retains its larva-like tail and gills into adulthood.

Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians