Animal Profiles
Amphibians

Hellbender

Cryptobranchus alleganiensis

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The hellbender is a large aquatic salamander of eastern and central North America. Loose folds along its flattened body increase the skin surface available for absorbing oxygen.

Cryptobranchus alleganiensis (hellbender)

Brian Gratwicke · CC BY

At a glance

Habitat
Rivers and lakes
Diet
Carnivore
Food
Mainly crayfish, with other small aquatic animals.

Classification

Common name
Hellbender
Browse group
Amphibians
Scientific name or taxon
Cryptobranchus alleganiensis
Taxon rank
species
Order
Caudata
Family
Cryptobranchidae
Genus
Cryptobranchus
Source classification
Amphibia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • It stays aquatic throughout adult life.
  • Skin folds help it absorb oxygen.
  • Crayfish are a major food.

Habitat and range

Hellbenders live in flowing freshwater streams with large shelter rocks and gravel bottoms. Their distribution includes Appalachian drainages and isolated populations farther west; clear, oxygenated water is essential.

Appearance and adaptations

A wide, flattened head and wrinkled sides give the animal its distinctive shape. Small limbs and a strong tail help it move along the stream bottom.

Diet and behaviour

Adults shelter beneath rocks by day and hunt chiefly after dark. Crayfish dominate the diet, with fish, insects and other small animals also taken. Individuals can defend their preferred shelter sites.

Sources

Explore amphibians

Browse all amphibians