Mudpuppy
Necturus maculosus
NH Conservation Status: Unknown, thought to be Introduced.
State Rank Status: Unknown, thought to be Introduced.
Distribution: Parts of the Connecticut River and its tributaries. Introduced into other waterbodies.
Description: A very gray to brown large (8-13 inches) aquatic salamander. Mudpuppies retain large red bushy gills throughout their life span.
Commonly Confused Species: None.
Habitat: All types of permanent water bodies including lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. Often found close to underwater debris piles.
Life History: Attaches single eggs beneath underwater objects. Nests in the vicinity of weeds and rocks to provide cover. Active throughout the winter in deep water.
Conservation Threats: Believed to be an introduced species.