Scientific Name – Necturus maculosus

Classification – Carnivore

Baby Name – Efts

Collective Noun – Congress, band or maelstrom

Average Length – 33 cm (13 in); specimens measuring up to 43.5 cm (17.1 in) are recorded

Average Weight – 0.5-0.75 lb (240-360g)

Speed – Moves rapidly when alarmed

Life Expectancy – 11 years

Mating Season – Autumn

Incubation Period – Around 40 days

Special Features – Spends entire life in lakes, streams or muddy waters; have mucous glands and granular glands that secrete poison which is used as a defense against predators

Family Unit – Solitary creatures coming together only during the breeding season

Geographical Distribution – Eastern part of North America

World Population – Unknown; however, thought to exceed 10,000

Conservation Status – Least Concern

Natural Habitat – Freshwater ponds, lakes, streams, reservoirs, canals, rivers; lives near the bottom of the water bodies where there are rocks and logs for shelter

Diet – Insects, mollusks, annelids, amphibians, earthworms, small fish, spiders

Predators – Fish, crayfish, turtles, water snakes, humans