Identifying Stream Critters: Mudpuppy Salamander Larvae

Tadpole-like creatures with long front legs, fish tail, wing-like projections — likely mudpuppy (Necturus) larvae, a fully aquatic salamander native to eastern North America.

Mudpuppy Traits

• External gills: Red, feathery "wings" behind head — the "projections."
• Four legs: Front legs develop first, long for walking stream bottom.
• Fish-like tail: Laterally compressed for swimming.
• Neotenic: Keep larval form (gills) entire life — never metamorphose.

Ecology

• Nocturnal, hide under rocks by day.
• Eat insects, worms, small fish — part of healthy stream food web.
• Indicator of clean, oxygenated water.
• Harmless to humans, pets, fish populations.

Not a Tadpole

• Frog tadpoles: no legs early, gills internal, round tail.
• Mudpuppy larvae: legs early, external gills, flat tail.

Cool find! They're a sign your stream is healthy. Leave them be — they're native, beneficial, and fascinating.