Necturus punctatus
Amphibia · Caudata · Proteidae
The dwarf waterdog is an aquatic salamander endemic to the Eastern United States. It is the smallest member of the family Proteidae.
Fun Fact
The dwarf waterdog retains its feathery red external gills throughout its entire life and only reaches 6 inches long — one of the most miniaturized permanently larval salamanders.
Habitat
Live in slow, sand- or mud-bottomed streams and connected ditches, cypress swamps; also stream-fed rice fields and mill ponds.
Diet
To be updated
Lifespan
To be updated