Reptiles and Amphibians of North Dakota
Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus)
Mudpuppies spend their entire lives under water. They are easily identified by the ever-present maroon-colored external gills and four toes on each foot (tiger salamanders have five toes on each hind foot).
Mudpuppies are large amphibians and can reach lengths of 8-17 inches. Their coloration is a light background with dark spots.
Mudpuppies are nocturnal, harmless to man, and edible.
Only three reported specimens have been collected and identified in North Dakota. They were caught in the Red River at Grand Forks.
Mudpuppies eat a wide variety of food. Small fish, fish eggs, crayfish, aquatic insects, and mollusks are commonly utilized as a food source.
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