 
  Hellbender
  A species of Hellbender, Also known as  Snot otter, Devil dog, Grampus, Mud dog    Scientific name : Cryptobranchus alleganiensis  Genus :   Hellbender    
  Hellbender, A species of Hellbender 
  Also known as: 
 Snot otter, Devil dog, Grampus, Mud dog
  Scientific name: Cryptobranchus alleganiensis 
  Genus:  Hellbender 
  Content 
 Description People often ask General Info
 Photo By U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Northeast Region , used under PUBLIC-DOMAIN /Cropped and compressed from original
  Photo By U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Northeast Region , used under PUBLIC-DOMAIN /Cropped and compressed from original   
 Description
 
  The hellbender is a giant salamander endemic to the eastern and central United States. A predatory lifestyle in fast, shallow streams has resulted in many adaptations that give it its strange looks - the flat body with a large head, skinfolds for breathing, and tiny eyes assisted by light-sensitive cells in the skin. Very sensitive to pollution, the hellbender is currently listed as "near threatened." 
    
 People often ask
 
  
 General Info
 
 Lifespan
 25-30 years 
   Diet
 Hellbender feeds predominantly on aquatic invertebrates, making crayfish and aquatic insects its primary nourishment. It also displays a propensity for small fish and amphibians when available. 
   Appearance
 Hellbender is a large aquatic salamander with a flat body and broad head. Its skin is thick, slimy and exhibits a dark, blotchy coloration, ranging from brown to gray. The creature carries small eyes and lacks external ear openings. Featuring external, fleshy gills behind their heads for respiration, the species is completely aquatic. No significant differences in appearance between genders or age groups are recorded. 
   Behavior
 Hellbender is a nocturnal, solitary species primarily active after dusk. Notable for its infrequent movements, it prefers to stay hidden under rocks, exhibiting remarkable camouflage. During the breeding season, males exhibit territorial behavior, fiercely defending their chosen areas. Hellbender also exhibits unique survival behavior, entering hibernation during winter when water temperatures drop. 
   Population
 Decreasing 
  
  
  Photo By U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Northeast Region , used under PUBLIC-DOMAIN /Cropped and compressed from original
  Photo By U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Northeast Region , used under PUBLIC-DOMAIN /Cropped and compressed from original   
 Scientific Classification
 
  Phylum 
  Chordates   Class 
  Amphibians   Order 
  Salamanders   Family 
  Giant salamanders   Genus 
  Hellbender   Species 
  Hellbender  
 
  
  
  
  
 

 
  
  
 