The hellbender salamander also referred to as Cryptobranchus alleganiensis, is one of the common aquatic species of giant salamander endemic found throughout eastern North America. They are considered the only members of genus Cryptobranchus that are gigantic with the dorsoventrally flattened body. Hellbenders mate in the fall, where the female lay double strand of about 100 – 500 eggs, then are externally fertilized and Males watch over the nest which will hatch within a two months period. Hellbender salamander has four toes on the front legs and five at the back limbs, and further, its tail is keeled for purposes of propulsion. This species has a working lung and the gill slits are retained, however, true gills are only found in immature specimens. The hellbender salamander is a fascinating imperiled salamander that has experienced population declines in many parts of its range.
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