The Red River Mudpuppy is one of those amphibians that seems to break the rules. It spends its entire life underwater, it keeps its feathery gills as an adult, and it’s active year-round — even in the winter. This secretive, fully aquatic salamander may not be a household name, but it plays an important role in its ecosystem and has a quirky charm all its own.
Size & Physical Appearance
Red River Mudpuppies are medium-sized salamanders. Most adults range from 7 to 16 inches long, with some getting slightly larger. Their coloration tends to be grayish-brown to dark brown, with scattered dark spots or blotches along the body and tail.
One of the most eye-catching features is their external gills — bright red and feathery, sticking out from the sides of their head. These gills stay with them their whole lives, which is pretty unusual in the amphibian world.
They have short legs, a flat head, a smooth, slimy body, and a paddle-shaped tail that helps them swim. Males and females look fairly similar, though males may have a slightly swollen cloaca during the breeding season. Juveniles look much like adults but are smaller and may have more vivid patterning.
Habitat and Range
True to its name, the Red River Mudpuppy is primarily found in streams, rivers, and creeks connected to the Red River drainage in the south-central United States. Its range includes parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas.
These salamanders prefer clear, well-oxygenated water with lots of rocks, logs, and other debris to hide under. They’re usually found in slow to moderately flowing parts of rivers and streams. Unlike some amphibians that need temporary pools or wetlands, mudpuppies are fully aquatic and rarely (if ever) venture onto land.
Diet
Mudpuppies are opportunistic predators. Their diet includes a mix of aquatic invertebrates and small animals such as:
- Crayfish
- Insects and insect larvae
- Worms
- Small fish
- Snails and mollusks
They locate prey using both vision and touch, and they tend to hunt along the bottom, especially at night.
Lifespan
In the wild, Red River Mudpuppies tend to live around 10 to 15 years, though some individuals may live longer under the right conditions. In captivity, they can live up to 20 years with proper care and clean water.
Identification Tips
It’s easy to confuse the Red River Mudpuppy with other Necturus species found in the eastern U.S., like the Common Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus). That said, there are a few helpful ways to tell them apart:
- Neck Gills: Red River Mudpuppies usually have bright red, bushy gills that are fairly long.
- Color & Spots: While both species may be brownish-gray with spots, the Red River Mudpuppy tends to be a bit plainer, without the pronounced patterning of the Common Mudpuppy.
- Location: Geography is a big clue. If you’re in the Red River basin area, especially parts of Oklahoma or Texas, you’re more likely looking at a Red River Mudpuppy.
Also, if you’ve found an aquatic salamander with external gills and you’re west of the Mississippi, chances are it’s this species.
Fun Fact
Here’s a cool twist: Red River Mudpuppies are one of the few amphibians that stay active during the dead of winter. In fact, you’re more likely to spot one during colder months because they’re more active and the water is clearer, making it easier to see them under rocks and logs.
In Closing
The Red River Mudpuppy might not sing like a frog or hop like a toad, but it’s a fascinating amphibian that reminds us how diverse and surprising life underwater can be. If you’re lucky enough to see one in the wild, be respectful of its habitat — they’re sensitive to pollution and habitat disruption. And if you’re a nature-loving parent or budding herpetologist, it’s a great species to learn about when exploring stream life in the central U.S.
Stay curious, and don’t forget to bring a flashlight if you’re wading into chilly creeks — you never know what’s lurking under that next rock.