Blanco Blind Salamander

Eurycea robusta

Reptiles & AmphibiansIn the app

The salamander is aquatic, blind, cave-dwelling and one of the species of lungless salamanders. Lacking pigment and seemingly colorless, it is gilled and has a pair of re…

How to identify

The salamander is aquatic, blind, cave-dwelling and one of the species of lungless salamanders. Lacking pigment and seemingly colorless, it is gilled and has a pair of reduced eyes. The average length for this salamander is 4 inches. It has relatively robust limbs, a stalwart body, a thick tail and a reasonably tall tail fin of about 2 inches.

Range

It is extremely rare and can only be found in one locality in San Marcos, Hays County, Texas. The species was first discovered during a spring excavation in the Blanco River. Its range is restricted to the Balcones Aquifer in the vicinity of the Blanco River.

Habitat

Underwater aquatic habitats; water-filled caves and subterranean water sources that maintain clean, cool water. They may feed on snails, shrimps, and amphipods. Not much is known of their reproductive methods. However, based on knowledge of the E. rathbuni, females mature and reproduce throughout the year as is typical of many cave-dwelling species.

Similar species

Barton Springs salamander or Eurycea sosorum is smaller and pigmented with up to five varying tints and shades of gray and brown. Texas Cave salamander or Eurycea rathbuni is of roughly similar size, blind and share very similar physical features, habitat, and range. The difference lies in its slimmer limbs and its finned tail. Long-tailed salamander or Eurycea longicauda typically appears yellow and have very long tails. Their tails take up to 60% of their total body length.