Need help with identification

[ZackF]

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.

 

[Kaysie]

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]

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]

wow, i've never seen one that big. its definitely very cool looking !