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Amphibians
Hellbender
Cryptobranchus alleganiensis
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Lifespan
- 25-30 years
- Weight
- 1.5-2.5 kg
- Conservation
- Near Threatened
The Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) is a carnivore species found in Eastern US fast-moving streams. It typically lives 25-30 years, weighing around 1.5-2.5 kg, and is currently classified as Near Threatened on conservation status lists.
One fact worth knowing about the hellbender: Hellbenders breathe primarily through their wrinkly skin.
Amphibians live a double life, often starting in water as larvae before transforming to breathe air as adults. Frogs, toads, and salamanders are especially sensitive to environmental change, making them useful indicators of ecosystem health.