I got mine from carolina.com, but you can also get them at wardsci.com. (There is only a dollar difference in the price). The scientific name for a mud puppy is Necturus maculosus. Carolina.com and wardsci.com are biological supply companies for schools but also will sell to the public. Carolina.com is a great company to deal with and will make things right if there is a problem, I have never dealt with wardsci.com. Wardsci.com also has Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) and Amphiuma means. I have been feeding mine night crawlers, red worms, goldfish and minnows. I keep them at room temperature and they have a dwarf siren as a tank mate (all get along great).