Scientific Name – Cryptobranchus alleganiensis

Classification – Carnivore

Baby Name – Efts

Collective Noun – Congress, band or maelstrom

Average Length – 30 to 74 cm (12 to 29 in)

Average Weight – 1.5 to 2.5 kg (3.3 to 5.5 lb)

Top Speed –  17 kph, (11 mph)

Life Expectancy – 50 or more years in the wild; up to 29 years in captivity

Mating Season – Fall

Incubation Period – 2 months

Special Features – Huge flat body from the dorsal to the ventral side with thick folds running down the sides

Family Unit – Generally stays in a fixed favorable location except for breeding and hunting and guards it from other hellbenders. Two individuals do not live in the same area.

Geographical Distribution – Eastern North America

World Population – Unknown

Conservation Status – Near Threatened

Natural Habitat – Under large rocks or boulders that are partly buried in cold, fast-flowing streams

Diet – Mainly crayfish and fish; occasionally insects, tadpoles, other hellbenders (including eggs)

Predators – Babies – Fish, water snakes, turtles, other hellbenders; Adults – raccoon, mink, river otter