Hellbender
ExploreAmphibians
Hellbender
Cryptobranchus alleganiensis
The Hellbender is a giant salamander that loves to swim in rivers. They have a flat body and can be quite slippery!
Habitat: Clean rivers and streams
Appearance
The Hellbender is a large, flattened salamander with wrinkly, olive-brown to reddish-brown skin that often has dark blotches. It has small eyes and a broad, flat head, helping it blend seamlessly with rocky riverbeds.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderCaudataFamilyCryptobranchidaeGenusCryptobranchus
Category
AmphibiansRarity
Epic
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
A male Hellbender guards hundreds of eggs for months without eating, fiercely protecting them!
Hellbenders can regrow lost limbs, and even parts of their jaws, if injured!
These 'snot otters' squirt a slimy, protective mucus when threatened by predators!
They are the third-largest salamander species in the world, growing over two feet long!
Special abilities
Ability
Skin Breather
Hellbenders can absorb oxygen directly through their highly wrinkled skin because of its large surface area, allowing them to breathe underwater.
Ability
Riverbed Camouflage
Hellbenders have mottled, flattened bodies that help them blend perfectly with rocks and gravel on river bottoms, making them nearly invisible.
Ability
Vibration Hunter
Hellbenders can detect vibrations in murky water using a special lateral line system that helps them find prey at night.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 30-74 cm
- Weight
- 1.5-2.5 kg
- Lifespan
- 25-30 years
- Top Speed
- 1 km/h
- Swim Speed
- 2 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 200-500
- Incubation
- 45-75 days
- Maximum Depth
- 3 m
Diet & Feeding
Hellbenders are bottom-dwelling hunters that mostly feast on crayfish and small fish.
Primary Foods
- Crayfish
- Small fish
- Insects
- Worms
- Snails
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eats
Rusty Crayfish
Orconectes rusticus
Primary food source, ambushed on river bottom.
eaten by
North American River Otter
Lontra canadensis
Larger otters can prey on adult and juvenile Hellbenders.
eats
Creek Chub
Semotilus atromaculatus
Small fish are an important part of their carnivorous diet.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Ancient Lineage
This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Freshwater
Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
CryptobranchusEastern HellbenderLasagna LizardSnot Otter
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Hellbender?
30-74 cm
How much does Hellbender weigh?
1.5-2.5 kg
How long does Hellbender live?
25-30 years
How fast can Hellbender move?
1 km/h
What does Hellbender eat?
Hellbenders are bottom-dwelling hunters that mostly feast on crayfish and small fish.
How fast can Hellbender swim?
2 km/h
Where is Hellbender usually found?
Clean rivers and streams
How does Hellbender hunt?
Ambush
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
