Monster Mudpuppy

[WyldFya]

Anyone ever keep one of these??? I had one quite a while ago, in my 135 gal pond, and he was awesome. Don't mistake these for Waterdogs, as the waterdog turns into a tiger salamander, while mudpuppies never morph into anything else. I had one for nearly a year, and he only grew larger, never changed appearance. He died at a respectable 16", and was bought at 8". Picture from Google pics.

 

[Ang]

Wow, looks like he has red coliflower growing out of his head.

Cool.

 

[davo]

That is WEIRD as wyldfya. i went about 3 hours ago to a new lfs that has opened up. they had two of these things. and i was really tempted to get them both, but i dont have the room for them at the moment. they were about 7" each. can you give me some info on them. thats freaky shi* dude

 

[davo]

i imagine they prefer fast flowing water if those things are external gills. is there anything you can keep with em? what they feed? info info info

 

[WyldFya]

Cold water temp 62-72F
The grow to be very big.
Better kept alone in respect to its own species.
I fed mine nightcrawlers, and he would slurp them up like spagetti.
Can be kept with common plecs, NO GOOD WITH OTHER AMPHIBIANS!
I had koi in with mine, and some otos, but he ate the otos. He didn't bug anything else
They can jump out of the water, and are escape artists.

 

[WyldFya]

I had a powerhead in the tank for mine, but he didn't like the flow rate. He was always on the opposite side of the tank from it. Also needs a good hiding place. Like large rocks and caves made from rocks.

 

[WyldFya]

Wow, looks like he has red coliflower growing out of his head.

Cool.

The caulifower growing from his head is an external gill. They do not lose these, so don't keep them with anything that might nip at them. They do need a lot of O2, and if the gills are flapping or open it is usually a sign that there isn't enough o2. Many species have these as juvies, including most newts, and salamanders, as well as Polypterus, and a few others.

 

[WyldFya]

That is WEIRD as wyldfya. i went about 3 hours ago to a new lfs that has opened up. they had two of these things. and i was really tempted to get them both, but i dont have the room for them at the moment. they were about 7" each. can you give me some info on them. thats freaky shi* dude

If you can get one I would recommend it. They are great pets, and a lot of fun. Also gives you an excuse to buy some koi... hehe I love koi.

 

[wild caught]

i want one!

 

[rottbo]

an lfs by me has had one for years in a ten gallon and he is probally that big or bigger i would buy him but i hate that place and they want like $90 for it their crazy they have a 20" lungfish right next to it in another 10 gallon and they want the same for it hey have i told ya that i hate that place???