Texas Blind Salamander

Texas Blind Salamander

Scientific Name – Eurycea rathbuni

Classification – Plethodontidae

Baby Name – Efts

Collective Noun – Congress, band or maelstrom

Average Length – Around 13 cm (5 in)

 Speed – Fast creatures

Life Expectancy – 10.3 years in captivity

Breeding Season – Year-round

Special Features – Almost devoid of vision as eyes are reduced to two black spots; it is adapted for living in underground water-filled caves where there is total darkness; it hunts its prey by sensing water pressure waves created by the preys in the underground waters; it absorbs oxygen from the water through its blood-red external gills

Family Unit – Little is known about the behavior of this creature

Geographical Distribution – Texas (United States)

World Population – Stable

Conservation Status – Vulnerable

Natural Habitat – Underground streams in caves

Diet – Blind shrimp, snails, amphipods

Predators – The creature is inaccessible for the common salamander predators