Abstract
This chapter examines the external and internal anatomy of the mudpuppy. The common mudpuppy, Necturus maculosus, is a member of Caudata, which together with Anura (frogs and toads) and Gymnophiona (caecilians or apodans) form Amphibia. Caudata, including the salamanders and newts, are the least specialized amphibians in the terms of body form and locomotion. The body is elongated and stout, with well-developed axial musculature and tail. Frogs are characterized by a shortened body and specialized saltatory locomotion and the limbless gymnophionans inhabit terrestrial to aquatic habitats. Necturus is commonly included with Proteus in Proteidea—a small group of fully aquatic, neotenic salamanders that retain their larval, filamentous external gills, two pairs of pharyngeal slits, and caudal fins as adults. Necturus includes six species. N. maculosus is apparently closely related to N. lewisi—the Red River mudpuppy. The remaining species of Necturus are commonly referred to as waterdogs. The mudpuppy's most striking larval feature is the presence of three pairs of external gills, located just posterior to the flattened head. Also retained are two pairs of pharyngeal slits—one between the first and second gills and the other between the second and third gills.
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