The hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) is a giant salamander, native to North America, which inhabits large, swiftly flowing streams with rocky bottoms. It is the only species within the genus Cryptobranchus, with two subspecies. The amphibian is the third largest species of salamander in the world, being surpassed only by the Japanese giant salamander and the Japanese giant salamander's close relative the Chinese giant salamander.
Ten Facts about Hellbender
- They grow to an adult length of 24 centimetres (9.4 in) to 40 centimetres (16 in) from snout to vent.
- An adult weighs 1.5 kilograms (3.3 lb) to 2.5 kilograms (5.5 lb).
- Hellbenders reach sexual maturity at about five years of age.
- Can live thirty years in captivity.
- They are the third largest aquatic salamander species in the world.
- The range of the eastern hellbender in North America extends from southwestern and south central New York, west to southern Illinois, and south to extreme northeastern Mississippi.
- Hellbenders inhabit large, fast-flowing, rocky streams below 750 metres (2,460 ft) in elevation.
- The hellbenders' breeding season begins in late August or early- to mid-September.
- Crayfish and small fish are the main food items consumed by Hellbenders.
- Immature hellbenders are preyed upon by large fish, turtles, and water snakes.
