Scientific name : Necturus alabamensis
Family : Proteidae
Native to : Alabama
Interesting fact : They are called waterdogs from a wrong belief that they produce barking sounds like dogs.
Conservation status : Endangered
Bushy gills from the larval stage are carried for life by these aquatic salamanders. This is an example of ‘neoteny’ where they mature while still being larvae. They hide under rocks and leaves and never come out in the day or during summer. They become active in winter and eat small fish, worms and snails.
