Last Reviewed:March 22, 2023 by Gabrielle Marks
Amphiuma – The Genus of Eel-like Salamanders
The genus amphiuma has three species that look more like eels than salamanders, the three-toed amphiuma, the two-toed amphiuma, and the one-toed amphiuma. The names are derived from the number of toes on each leg. All three species are nocturnal carnivores. Though primarily water dwellers, they are known to walk on land after heavy rains. They are also known to bite.
Three-toed Amphiuma
The three-toed amphiuma (Amphiuma tridactylum) is indigenous to the Gulf Coast Plain, centered on the lower Mississippi River from Texas to western Alabama and north to southern Illinois and extreme southwestern Kentucky. It can grow up to 30 inches.
Two-toed Amphiuma
The two-toed amphiuma (Amphiuma means), also called the congo eel, is indigenous to the southeastern United States. It can grow to nearly 4 feet, making it the largest of the genus and also the longest salamander species in the US.
One-toed Amphiuma
The one-toed amphiuma (Amphiuma pholeter) is indigenous to Florida and southern Georgia. The average adult size is 8.4 inches.
