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Odd request: Obtaining mudpuppies

TrpnBils

TrpnBils

22 is not enough snakes
Okay, I'm getting some ideas together for a few native herp exhibits at the zoo for this spring. I'd really like to highlight the Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus). People catch a lot of them in Lake Erie and surrounding waters, but most fishermen kill them out of false assumptions or stupidity.

I've read that you can supposedly buy either adult or larval mudpuppies through scientific supply catalogs and the like, but I can't actually find anything. Does anyone have any other ideas? My only other idea is to put the word out at the bunch of bait stands around here to see what I can get.
 
yah the bait stands thing is a good idea or just go out for a day of fishing... mudpuppies are everywhere give me 5 bucks ill go catch you 5 of them...
 
Just in case anyone cares:

Carolina Biological Supply Company - 3 adults for $25. Problem solved.

I couldn't find them on their website last night but I found a 2004 catalog at work today and there they were.
 
This is a true mudpuppy and not a larval stage of a tiger salamander.
mudpuppy.jpg



Tiger salamander
nacaliforniatigersalaman.jpg
 
ok?

like I said, I'd like to highlight Necturus maculosus with the exhibit. Unforuntately, I'm running into a road block with water temperature also. The room it's got to be in is about 70 degrees in the summer, which is way too warm for a mudpuppy.
 
A lot of places sell larval salamanders as mud puppies. That is why I stated this.

Also, many states these amphibians are protected. So check your state first, if you can keep one with out a permit.


To fix the heating issue with your amphibians, you can purchase a Chiller for your tank. These start about $350 and up but work pretty good. I know many reefers who keep them to keep the water down to a cool 80 degrees. But this should keep a salamander tank cooled, you will not have the pumping system and lighting system that will keep this tank hot.
P50770.jpg



Now I hope you also have planned to keep a large filter for such a tank as well. I recommend a cannister, this should help you keep the water pristine for them. A good one should run about $100 and up.
 
We've been working with the PA Fish and Boat Commission since October on the amphibian project and the permits, etc. aren't a problem. True mudpuppies prefer the temps around the mid 50s, so that is still my largest problem. I've been in contact with herp curators from several other zoos that keep Necturus and I think this particular exhibit is coming together finally.
 
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