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Hellbenders: Fantastic beasts | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

The ( Cryptobranchus alleganiensis ), often referred to by the more colorful name "snot otter," is the largest salamander in North America. These fully aquatic amphibians are essentially living fossils, belonging to an ancient family that has remained largely unchanged for over 150 million years. Appearance and Physicality HellbenderHD

: Loose, wrinkled flaps of skin along their sides that serve a vital function—they absorb up to 95% of their oxygen directly from the water. Hellbenders: Fantastic beasts | U

Hellbenders are massive compared to typical salamanders, often growing up to , with some individuals reaching nearly 30 inches. They are characterized by: Appearance and Physicality : Loose, wrinkled flaps of

: Their brown, blotchy skin and flat bodies allow them to blend seamlessly into rocky streambeds.

: Because of their unique appearance and the slippery mucus they secrete, they are affectionately known as "lasagna lizards," "mud devils," "devil dogs," and "Allegheny alligators" .