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Introduction to mud caudata sirens

With an evolution span of around 130 million years the amazing mud siren is found in the Sirenidae family and the Caudata order. These creatures have bodies that are shaped much like that of an eel with tiny front legs and no hind legs at all. One of the two genera in this family, Sirenidae lacertina which are the great sirens and Pseudobranchus which are the mud sirens, the mud siren is different in that it has only one set of gills and three minute fingers on the hands of its front legs. The body ranges in size from seven to twenty six inches in length and in color from mottled blackish brown to dark grayish green. The mud siren is most often found in the mid-southeastern United States including some areas of Texas, Illinois, Indiana, South Carolina and along the northern Mississippi Valley.

Even though most mud sirens have gills they are also equipped with lungs making it possible for them to travel in water which is where they spend the majority of their time, as well as on land. The large eyes of the mud siren do not have lids and a long pointy tail that is shaped much like that of a lizard. In general, all mud sirens including the great siren, dwarf siren and mud siren, make their home in relatively shallow water where they breath through their feathery looking gills. They can often be observed swimming to the surface to take in air.

The mud siren is a nocturnal creature preferring to feed and mate at night. The majority of the mud sirens diet consist of the small fish within their habitat and insects that come near the water. Occasionally the mud siren will travel on land in its search for food but is quick to return to its habitat in the water. Interestingly, this creature is capable for digging into the mud to form a kind of burrow where it can live during long periods of drought. During such times the skin, which normally feels slick, becomes somewhat dehydrated giving it a tougher and drier appearance.

Although the mud siren is quite common in the areas they inhibit, they are very seldom observed. Because of this, very little is known about their mating rituals. It is known that after mating the female attaches her eggs to under water plants, spacing each well away from the others. It is believed the fertilization is internal but this as yet has not been confirmed. After the eggs are deposited they will hatch within a few weeks producing tiny larvae.

It is interesting to note that even though the mud siren has proved an interesting specimen in captivity, few are found in aquariums. Most can be found hiding around the roots of aquatic plant life within their habitat but they are not easily caught. This interesting creature moves quickly within its habitat and will most likely slither away if not grabbed up the instant it’s spotted. This could create a problem for the mud siren hunter when he comes face to face with the greater siren which is known to measure over thirty inches in length.

Written by Carolyn Hachquet