Apalachicola Waterdog

Range

Necturus moleri is a species of aquatic salamander that inhabits a limited range in the southeastern United States. It is endemic to five river basins in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia: the Apalachicola, Chipola, Choctawhatchee/Pea, Econfina, and Ochlockonee.

Habitats

Apalachicola Waterdogs live in slow-moving streams with submerged leaf litter piles. They can be collected by various methods, such as dipnets, minnow traps, or litter bags . The mating season for these salamanders is in winter (November – January), when they exchange spermatophores for fertilization. The females retain the eggs until they lay them in leaf packs in spring (April or May). The larvae hatch and grow into adults in 4 - 6 years.

Identification

Necturus moleri is a type of water-dwelling salamander that keeps its gills even as an adult. It belongs to the Proteidae family and has four strong legs with four toes on each back leg. It usually has 16 grooves along its sides (sometimes 17). The adult size can be up to 173 mm long, but males are about 24 mm longer than females on average. The males also have a bigger and bumpy cloaca with two spurs at the back. The tail length can be up to 73 mm in males and 63 mm in females. The adult's upper body has a pinkish-gray to light brown or pinkish-tan color with many small dark purple or black spots. The spots are usually the same size as the eyes, but some individuals have no spots (11%) or larger spots (4%). The lower body is dull white with dark spots on the chin and sides, but some individuals have spots all over (25%) or no spots at all (4%). The belly color changes from white to light brown at the edges. When preserved, the upper body is dark grayish-brown with small dark brown spots on the head. The lower body is light brown with dark spots on the chin and white on the throat. The belly is shiny white with light smoky brown at the edges.

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