Dwarf Siren

Dwarf Siren
Dwarf Siren
Pseudobranchus striatus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Subclass: Lissamphibia
Order: Caudata
Suborder: Sirenoidea
Family: Sirenidae
Genus: Pseudobranchus
Species

See text.

Dwarf sirens are eel-like salamanders of the genus Pseudobranchus. Dwarf sirens possess external gills throughout adulthood and lack hind legs. Dwarf sirens can be distinguished from members of the genus Siren in that dwarf sirens have three toes on each foot rather than four. Like sirens, dwarf sirens are restricted to the Southeastern United States.

Species

The genus Pseudobranchus consists of the following species:

  • Southern Dwarf Siren (Pseudobranchus axanthus)
    • Narrow-striped Dwarf Siren (Pseudobranchus axanthus axanthus)
    • Everglades Dwarf Siren (Pseudobranchus axanthus belli)
  • Northern Dwarf Siren (Pseudobranchus striatus)
    • Broad-striped Dwarf Siren (Pseudobranchus striatus striatus)
    • Gulf Hammock Dwarf Siren (Pseudobranchus striatus lustricolus)
    • Slender Dwarf Siren (Pseudobranchus striatus spheniscus)

External links