One-toed Amphiuma
Amphiuma pholeter
This small, eel-like, aquatic amphibian averages just 8.5 inches in length. It lacks hind legs, and its front legs are so tiny they are barely distinguishable. Each of th…
How to identify
This small, eel-like, aquatic amphibian averages just 8.5 inches in length. It lacks hind legs, and its front legs are so tiny they are barely distinguishable. Each of those legs has just one toe, as its name suggests. Unlike other amphiumas, this species is the same color on its dorsum and ventrum; a dark grey or purplish brown. It has a cone-shaped head with small, rudimentary eyes, and its body is cylindrical. It lacks external gills.
Range
Range stretches along the Gulf Coast from southeastern Mississippi through coastal Alabama, the Florida panhandle, and down the west coast of Florida, stopping just north of Tampa. A small area of adjacent southwestern Georgia is also included.
Habitat
This nocturnal species is rarely encountered by humans. It inhabits the mud or vegetation at the bottom of stagnant or slow-moving shallow water. It particularly likes to live in the semi-fluid mud found in swampy floodplains surrounding rivers and streams.
Variations
Only slight variations in body color.
Similar species
Most akin to its larger cousins, the two-toed amphiuma (*Amphiuma means*) and three-toed amphiuma (*Amphiuma tridactylum*). It could also be confused with the lesser siren (*Siren intermedia*).
Name and etymology
Pholeter: Greek for one who lurks in a whole.
At a glance
Range
Range stretches along the Gulf Coast from southeastern Mississippi through coastal Alabama, the Florida panhandle, and down t…
Habitat
This nocturnal species is rarely encountered by humans. It inhabits the mud or vegetation at the bottom of stagnant or slow-m…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap