Cryptobranchus alleganiensis ON EXHIBIT: Discovery Hall at River
Journey The hellbender is the largest species of salamander in
the eastern United States. It spends most of its time under
rocks and stream debris where its flattened body and dull colors
make it nearly impossible to see. Here it waits patiently for
its next meal to pass by. It breathes by absorbing oxygen
directly from the water through its wrinkled skin. The wrinkles
give the hellbender more surface area to absorb greater amounts
of oxygen. IUCN status is near threatened. Populations are
declining. All amphibians are at risk due to factors such as
habitat destruction, pollution and diseases such as ranavirus
and chytrid fungus.