Common Mudpuppies

[Necturus Maculosus]

 Quick Reference Care Guide

  • Housing:

    • 40 - 75+ gallons depending on number

    • Water MUST be dechlorinated and should be properly cycled

    • Water should be kept BELOW 65; 60 IF POSSIBLE. This species comes from cold waters and is frequently found in frozen lakes. You will likely need a pricey aquarium chiller.

    • Water should be well oxygenated with a good amount of flow at the surface.

    • Sand substrate with large (3-4'“ diameter) river rocks imbedded and stacked, leaving gaps and crevices between. This species loves to wedge into small spaces between rocks.

      NO GRAVEL

    • Tankmates should only include other, similarly sized Necturus maculosus. DO NOT MIX SPECIES, NOT EVEN OTHER NECTURUS SPECIES. DO NOT MIX WITH TROPICAL FISH THAT ARENT FEEDERS.

    • Your tank should have a secure lid. Necturus are escape artists, and can fit through shockingly small spaces. Escape attempts are especially frequent when they are introduced into a new tank.

    • Sponge filters are the best option, but mechanical filters are only ok as long as there is 100% absolutely no way for the salamander to get into the intake.

    • Plants such as Anacharis, Vallisneria, Java Moss, and Water Lotus are excellent choices, as necturus really enjoy hiding and feeling covered.

    • Hides can be easily made from PVC or ABS pipes from your local hardware store, but sand with large stones for them to wedge between is the best setup in my experience.

    • normal aquarium lights are fine so long as the necturus have adequate cover.

    Food and Diet:

    • Necturus prefer live food such as earthworms and blackworms, but may also accept frozen foods like bloodworms and brineshrimp. Earthworms are arguably the best, most complete diet to offer necturus and most other large salamanders.

    Lifespan:

    • The common mudpuppy lives about 10 years in the wild. There isn’t much data on captive lifespan.

    • Necturus maculosus gets quite large - 13+ inches typically.

Project Status:

We have not yet accomplished breeding in this animal; This project is on hiatus until we obtain more of this species.

Animal Availability:

None Available, this animal will not be available until captive breeding has been accomplished