The three-toed amphiuma is named for its three toes in line with the naming conventions for the three amphiuma species.

The amphibians are occasionally known as the Congo eel. A confusing misnomer with the species being neither an eel or found in the Congo in Africa. Instead they are found in North America.

These animals are carnivores which feed on insects, tadpoles and frogs though crayfish are their primary food source.

Three-toed amphiumas have lost some of their habitat due to development but the creation of ponds and canals has extended their range.

Read on to learn more about these amazing amphibians.

Appearance

The three-toed amphiuma is the longest species of salamander in North America though the hellbender is heavier than this species.

As an adult the three-toed amphiuma lacks both lungs and gills. Instead the absorb oxygen directly through the skin.

The body of the three-toed amphiuma has been likened to that of an eel. It is long and cylindrical with the tail flattened. This tail may account for one quarter of their length. This body is colored grey, brown or black above with a pale grey color underneath.

On either side of the body are two tiny legs each ending with three toes as their name suggests. While the legs are present they are too small to be of any assistance with moving around.

Adult three-toed amphiumas will reach a length of between 0.5 and 1.1m (1.5 and 3.5ft) long.

Females and males can be distinguished visually. Females have dark cloacal walls while the males are white. During the breeding season the males will develop swelling in their cloaca.

Diet

The three-toed amphiuma is a carnivore. They feed on worms, crayfish, tadpoles and frogs. They have been reported to be cannibalistic occasionally feeding on small individuals of their own species.

When these animals retreat to their burrow during dry weather they may go for weeks without feeding.

Occasionally they will forage by simply sticking the front half of their body out of the burrow and waiting for food.