A massive eel-shaped aquatic salamander — up to 4 feet — with tiny useless legs, each with two toes. Sometimes called "conger eels" by southern fishermen. They can deliver a painful bite.

Also called: Two-toed Amphiuma, Conger Eel (folk)

Native status: Native to southeastern US

§ Quick facts

SizeTotal length 35–115 cm
Weight100 g – 3 kg
LifespanWild 20–30 years
OrderCaudata
FamilyAmphiumidae

§ Encyclopedia

The two-toed amphiuma is an aquatic salamander widely distributed in the southeastern United States. It is commonly, but incorrectly, called "congo snake", "conger eel" or the "blind eel".

Source: Wikipedia — Two-toed amphiuma Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Eel-like aquatic salamander; small vestigial 2-toed legs; dark gray to brown; smooth skin.

Similar species. Three-toed Amphiuma (3 toes; different range). One-toed Amphiuma (1 toe; smaller).

Voice. Can deliver painful bite.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Aquatic invertebrates, crayfish, small fish, frogs.

Behavior. Among the largest aquatic salamanders in North America. Eel-like with vestigial legs. Aggressive when handled; capable of delivering painful bite. Restricted to wetlands of southeastern US.

§ Range

Southeastern US Coastal Plain

§ Habitat

Swamps, ditches, slow streams, bayous

§ Threats

Wetland drainage, fish kills, persecution as "snakes."

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the two-toed amphiuma is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support swamp protection. Learn to identify amphiumas (they're harmless if not handled). Don't kill.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • AmphibiaWeb
  • Davidson College Herpetology Lab
  • IUCN Red List 2014