Hellbender — printable fact sheet

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Hellbender

Cryptobranchus alleganiensis

The Hellbender is the largest aquatic salamander in North America, known for its flat, wrinkled body and loose, frilly skin that aids in respiration. Primarily nocturnal, this elusive amphibian spends most of its life under large rocks in clean, fast-flowing streams and rivers. …

Classification

Amphibian

Family

Cryptobranchidae

Habitat

Clean, fast-flowing, rocky streams and rivers

Diet

Carnivore

Conservation status

Near Threatened

Lifespan

25-30 years

Weight

1.5–2.5 kg (3.3–5.5 lbs)

Scientific name

Cryptobranchus alleganiensis

Did you know?

Hellbenders can live up to 30 years in the wild, making them one of the longest-lived amphibians in North America.
Hellbenders are sometimes called 'snot otters' due to their slimy skin. Unlike most salamanders, they have external gill slits only as larvae; adults rely on cutaneous respiration. Their wrinkled skin increases surface area for oxygen absorption from the water.

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