AMPHIUMA (CONGO EEL)

Contents hide

1) Classification of Amphiuma (Congo Eel)

2) Geographical distribution

3) Habit and habitat

4) General Characteristics

5) Ecological Importance

6) Conservation Status

7) Special features

8) Identification

Classification of Amphiuma (Congo Eel)

Phylum :- Chordata (Dorsal tubular nerve cord, notochord and gill-slits present.)
Group :- Craniata (Definite head, Cranium with brain present.)
Sub phylum :- Vertebrata (Vertebral column present.)
Division :- Gnathostomata (Jaws and paired appendages present.)
Super Class :- Tetrapoda (Paired limbs, lungs, cornified skin and bony skeleton.)
Class :- Amphibia (Cold blooded. Scaleless glandular skin. Can live in water and land. Two occipital condyles, Heart three chambered)
Order :- Urodela (Scaleless Amphibia having well developed tail, generally with two limbs, with or without external gills and gill-slits in adults.)
Family :- Amphiumoidea (Body cylindrical. No eye lids.)
Genus :- Amphiuma

Geographical distribution

Amphiuma is distributed in Missouri and Virginia (United States). Eocene to Recent.

Habit and habitat

It is commonly found in swampy medows and rice fields. It feeds on molluscs, crayfishes and small fishes.

General Characteristics

Commonly known as Congo eel.
Body is covered with smooth and black skin. The animal measuring about 90 cm is divided into head, trunk and tail. Head contains eyes, nostrils and mouth.
Eyes are well developed and functional, but without eyelids.
Forelimbs and hind limbs poorly developed and do not help in locomotion.
Gill clefts are two in number but no gills. Lungs are present. Trachea is long.
Eggs are laid in water and female coils around the eggs till they hatch.

Amphiuma is a genus of aquatic salamanders native to the southeastern United States. These unique amphibians are known for their elongated bodies, reduced limbs, and aquatic lifestyle, living primarily in slow-moving streams, swamps, and marshes. There are three species within the Amphiuma genus: the two-toed amphiuma (Amphiuma means), the three-toed amphiuma (Amphiuma tridactylum), and the one-toed amphiuma (Amphiuma pholeter). Despite their reduced limbs, they are capable swimmers and spend most of their lives in water. They are often referred to as “congo eels” due to their eel-like appearance, though they are amphibians and not related to true eels.

Ecological Importance

Control of Invertebrate Populations: They are carnivorous, feeding on a variety of small invertebrates, fish, and amphibians. They help control populations of aquatic invertebrates and smaller vertebrates, maintaining balance in their ecosystems.
Indicator Species: Due to their reliance on aquatic habitats, amphiumas can be considered bioindicators of water quality. Declining populations may signal degradation of wetland environments due to pollution, habitat destruction, or climate change.
Prey for Larger Predators: Amphiumas are an important prey species for larger aquatic predators, including birds, fish, and mammals. As a result, they are an integral part of the food web in their habitat.
Wetland Ecosystem Health: They contribute to the health of wetland ecosystems by regulating populations of smaller organisms and participating in the food web. Their presence helps maintain biodiversity in these sensitive habitats.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List Status: The conservation status of species varies. Some species, such as the two-toed amphiuma (Amphiuma means), are considered to have stable populations, but habitat destruction, water pollution, and invasive species are ongoing threats to their survival.
Threats
- Habitat Loss: Wetland drainage for agricultural development and urbanization has led to significant habitat loss for amphiumas. Loss of aquatic habitats affects their ability to breed and find food.
- Pollution: Contaminants such as pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial waste can degrade the water quality of their habitats, making it unsuitable for amphibians.
- Climate Change: Alterations in water temperature and flooding patterns due to climate change can affect the distribution and behavior.
- Invasive Species: The introduction of non-native species, such as predatory fish or other amphibians, can reduce food availability and increase competition for resources.
Conservation Efforts: While amphiumas are not widely studied or directly protected under international conservation laws, their habitats are often conserved under broader wetland protection policies. Efforts to preserve freshwater habitats, prevent pollution, and mitigate habitat loss are essential for the survival of amphiumas.
State-Level Protection: Some states in the U.S. have taken measures to protect the habitats of species, especially where populations are declining or found in particularly sensitive areas.

Special features

It is also a perennial, partly metamorphosed salamandrid derivation with small eyes. It shows parental care. It has retained several larval characters such as lidless eyes, parallel arrangement of maxillary and vomerine teeth, four branchial arches and amphicoelus vertebrae. According to Ponder (1924), this animal has largest erythrocytes, measuring 80 microns.
Elongated Body and Reduced Limbs: Characterized by their long, eel-like bodies and extremely reduced limbs. Depending on the species, they may have one, two, or three toes on each limb. This adaptation is suited to their aquatic lifestyle.
Adaptation to Aquatic Life : Fully aquatic for most of their lives, although they can survive on land for short periods when necessary. Their smooth, slimy skin allows for effective respiration and moisture retention while submerged.
Regenerative Abilities: Like many amphibians, This species have remarkable regenerative abilities, including the ability to regrow lost limbs, tails, and other body parts. This ability is vital for their survival, especially in the wild, where they may face predation.
Nocturnal and Secretive Behavior: They are primarily nocturnal, foraging at night to avoid predators. They are also secretive creatures, often hiding in mud, submerged logs, or aquatic vegetation during the day.
Distinctive Appearance: Amphiumas are often described as having a snake-like or eel-like appearance due to their elongated bodies and smooth, moist skin. Their eyes are small and often barely visible, a feature that is typical of species adapted to dark, underwater environments.