A smaller cousin of the greater siren — an eel-like aquatic salamander with reduced front limbs, no hindlimbs, and external gills throughout life. Can vocalize with high-pitched yelps when threatened.

Also called: Two-legged Siren

Native status: Native to southeastern + central US

§ Quick facts

SizeAdult length 18–50 cm (7–20 in)
Weight25–150 g
LifespanWild typically 15+ years; captive 25+
OrderCaudata
FamilySirenidae

§ Encyclopedia

The lesser siren is a species of aquatic salamander native to the eastern United States and northern Mexico. They are referred to by numerous common names, including two-legged eel, dwarf siren, and mud eel. The specific epithet intermedia denotes their intermediate size, between the greater siren, Siren lacertina, and the dwarf sirens, Pseudobranchus species.

Source: Wikipedia — Lesser siren Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Eel-shaped salamander 18–50 cm long; smooth slate-gray to olive-brown back; light belly with small dots; bushy red gills behind small head; only tiny front limbs.

Similar species. Greater Siren (much larger; pattern of dots different). Amphiumas (4 tiny legs). Mudpuppies (clear external gills, with hind legs).

Voice. Audible clicking and yelping when disturbed.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Crayfish, snails, aquatic insects, small fish, worms, occasionally plant material.

Behavior. Eel-like salamander with only front legs (no hind legs); retains external red gills throughout life. Same drought-survival strategy as Greater Siren: secretes a protective mucus cocoon and aestivates buried in mud for months when wetlands dry. Active mostly at night. Can produce audible clicks and yelps — unusual among amphibians.

§ Range

Southeastern US and parts of central US

§ Habitat

Swamps, marshes, ditches, ponds with vegetation

§ Threats

Wetland drainage, water-quality decline, persecution as "eel snakes."

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the lesser siren is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Don't kill in ponds and ditches. Maintain wetland connections. Support clean water laws.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • AmphibiaWeb
  • USGS PWRC
  • Florida Museum of Natural History
  • IUCN Red List 2014