Eastern Hellbender - "Cryptobranchus alleganiensis"
Also known as "the Snot Otter", "Mud Cat", "Allegheny Alligators" or "Lasagna Lizard"
The Eastern Hellbender is America's Largest Salamander, growing to nearly 30 inches long and weighing over 5 pounds when fully grown. Eastern Hellbenders are one of only three species of giant salamanders in the world, and are the only giant salamander in North America.
Hellbenders have a native range from as far north as New York, to as far south as Alabama and Georgia, with populations as far west as Missouri. There are only two river drainages in New York State in which hellbenders inhabit, which are the Allegheny River and Susquehanna River drainages.
Habitat
Hellbenders prefer swift running, well oxygenated, unpolluted streams and rivers with abundant large flat rocks, logs or boards for cover and nesting sites. In the Allegheny River system in New York, hellbenders can be found in cool, well-oxygenated, well-shaded and unpolluted tributaries of the Allegheny River, as well as in fast-flowing (well-oxygenated) sections of the Allegheny River.
Diet
The primary staple of a Hellbenders diet is the crayfish. However, hellbenders will also frequently feed on fish, tadpoles, frogs, and a variety of invertebrates. They are even known to eat other small hellbenders. Hellbenders are able to eat animals that are almost as large as themselves. Hellbenders are ambush (sit and wait) predators, hiding beneath rocks on the streambed and attacking prey that comes within striking distance.
Life History
Hellbenders can live up to 30 years of age. Both males and females reach sexual maturity at about 5-7 years old. In late summer, courtship and breeding begins. Sexually mature Hellbenders will congregate after migrating a short distance to breed. Male Hellbenders will excavate a large nest chamber beneath a rock in preparation for breeding. Females that are attracted to the male’s nest will lay their eggs into the nest sites. The eggs are fertilized externally as they are being deposited. The males will then safe guard the eggs until they hatch.
Life Stages
Similar to most salamander species, hellbenders have a four stage life-cycle, which includes: the egg stage, larval stage, juvenile stage, and the adult stage.
Egg: 55-75 days; Egg is 20-30mm in diameter | Laid in long, yellowish, bead-like strands under large, flat rocks. The father circulates water and guards the eggs.
Larvae (Hatchling): 1-1.25 inches | They have external gills and are often confused with mudpuppies
Juvenile (Metamorphosis): 4-5 inches | 1.5-2 years | Lose their external gills, transform into young adults that breathe through their skin folds.
Young Adults: 12+ inches | 5-7 years | Sexually mature
Seneca Nation Hellbender Research Facility and Hatchery
The Seneca Nation of Indians have a Hellbender research facility in the Allegany Territory, with a goal to conserve and repopulate the species.
Population Decline
Eastern Hellbenders have seen a recent decline in their population over their entire range. Some explanations for the recent decline in their population may include pollution of their aquatic habitat, damming of rivers and streams (which eliminates critical riffle areas and lowers dissolved oxygen content), as well as siltation of streams and rivers from agricultural practices and construction work. Because hellbenders breathe entirely through their skin-cool, clear, unpolluted water with lots of dissolved oxygen is important. The hellbender was listed as a species of special concern in New York State in 1983 due to their limited range in the state, and a declining population. There is a lack of information on the basic life history of hellbenders in New York State. There is also a lack of historical information on the population density and distribution of hellbenders in the state. This has led to a lack in understanding and knowledge of long-term population trends.
"Indicator" Species
Since hellbenders breathe underwater through their skin folds, they need oxygen-rich, unpolluted water to survive. Because of this, hellbenders are only found in the most pristine, well-oxygenated waterways. Hellbenders are known as an Indicator Species, meaning their presence, or absence, reflects the health of an ecosystem. Where hellbenders are found in their native range reflects a pristine, clean, and unpolluted waterway, whereas their absence may indicate the opposite.
To view the "Hellbenders" kiosk panel that is currently located at Onoville Marina Park,
Click Here