Mud puppy external gills

[Katelynbrgr]

I noticed that my mud puppy's external gills have become much shorter than they used to be. You almost can't see them anymore. What happened? Do I have to be worried?

 

[Herpin Man]

In cool, clean, heavily oxygenated water, their gills will contract. If that's what is happening here, I would take it as a sign of good water quality.

 

[Katelynbrgr]

I sure hope that is what's happening! Thank you!