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Need help with identification

Z

ZackF

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I recently found this guy washed up on my beach (deceased unfortunately).
I'm having a hard time identifying the species. He is a very dark blue colour with maybe some stripes. My best guess is that it is maybe one of the Necturus species of North America. He was found on the South shore of Lake St.Clair (yellow X on map)
Your help is appreciated.
 

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Kaysie

Kaysie

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Definitely a mudpuppy, Necturus maculosus. This one is an especially big specimen!

They're rarely found in shallow water in the summer, so it probably died (maybe old age, given how big it is), and was nibbled on as it washed into shore.
 
Neotenic_Jaymes

Neotenic_Jaymes

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Thats a big Mudpuppy! Rarely see them that big. In spring it isn't so common to see dead N. maculosus washing ashore or floating by but its not unheard of. Some get fished and killed during ice fishing season then get thrown back and freeze up then thaw out in spring. In spring I do usually see 2-3 dead floating by or washed up if I go out enough. Best thing is seeing them alive especially when they're the size of your forearm!
 
axolotlfriend

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wow, i've never seen one that big. its definitely very cool looking !
 
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    Because his soil is certainly not 80 degrees fahrenheit, and I dont want to freeze the poor bugger with ice packs if he really doesnt need them. Hes been doing fine, but Im just so stressed because I cant get ANy information on how to handle this little guy. Theyre illegal to keep without a permit, but this one would not have survived without my intervention. So I cant call and ask anyone for help. If theres a betetr site than this one, I sure havent found it. But I never get any replies here. We are all just asking questions and getting none answered basically. Its really frustrating as I just want to help this little dude be happy and healthy. All I can get him to eat is potato bugs as well. I cant find anything else that he will eat. Is that even okay? :/ hes been eating strictly those since may first.
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