Sexing Necturus maculosus

[onetwentysix]

I've been having really good luck finding mudpuppies lately, and I've finally been able to get a photograph showing the differences between males and females. Secondhand, I read that Bishop (1926) describes the male vent as having a crescent-shaped transverse groove, and two nipple-like papillae at the rear of the vent.

Well, here are two photos:

I apologize for the poor quality of the photos; it's difficult enough for me to focus through glass, and it's harder when you're starring up at a glass aquarium bottom held up by two saw-horses when the animals refuse to stop moving.

Anyhow, I hope that's of use to any Necturus enthusiasts out there. I'm going to be attempting to captive breed them, so hopefully this time of year next year will present a nice surprise.

-Peter

 

[John]

Thanks Peter, I think it's great to have info like this on the site.

 

[Jennewt]

Super, Peter! Nice to see you back. I'll post these photos in your Necturus caresheet

 

[onetwentysix]

Thanks! I just wanted to point out that this way of sexing probably applies to all species of Necturus. I wanted to check my punctatus to see if I had a pair, and though they were moving too quickly to photograph, the male had the same features. It's a really neat kind of dimorphism; unlike most other salamanders, you don't have to compare size or shape, but get a clear-cut difference that's immediately recognizable with no room for interpretation.

 

[i_love_necturus]

Sweet!!!!!

This is great! This is perfect, I have had my hands on a lot of info on Necturus and this is the first sexing photos I've seen. This is soooooo perfect. Thank you for posting it. Now I know (for a 100% fact that my mudpuppy is a female. I look forward to seeing the photos on CC, Jen!