A tiny eel-like aquatic salamander much smaller than its greater siren cousin. Spends entire life in water; can survive seasonal pond drying by aestivating in mud.

Native status: Native to southeastern US Coastal Plain

§ Quick facts

SizeTotal length 10–25 cm
Weight3–25 g
LifespanWild 15+ years
OrderCaudata
FamilySirenidae

§ Encyclopedia

The southern dwarf siren, is a perennibranch salamander lacking hind legs. Found exclusively in Florida, it is one of two currently recognized species of dwarf sirens. Two subspecies are currently recognized; P. a. axanthus, the narrow-striped dwarf siren, and P. a. belli, the Everglades dwarf siren.

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

§ Identification

Field marks. Tiny eel-like salamander; reduced or absent rear legs; only one pair of small front legs; external gills; brown to olive.

Similar species. Greater Siren (much larger). Lesser Siren (intermediate size). Amphiumas (no gills as adults).

Voice. Some species "yelp" when handled.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Small aquatic invertebrates, worms.

Behavior. Smallest member of the eel-like siren family. Retains external gills as adult (neoteny). Estivates during drought by burrowing into mud and forming protective cocoon. Restricted to specific southeastern wetland habitats.

§ Range

Southeastern US Coastal Plain

§ Habitat

Swamps, ditches, marshes

§ Threats

Wetland drainage, fish kills, pollution.

§ Conservation status

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

§ What helps

Don't drain southeastern wetlands. Support clean water laws.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

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