Mrs. Ruiz’s
6th grade Computer Literacy Group
Blue Mountain Middle School
Cortlandt Manor, New York
USA
 
 

Subject

Name: Hellbender


Scientific name: Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis

Local Names: Allegheny Alligator, Devil Dog, Mollyhugger, Mud Cat

Description

Food- the Hellbender eats mostly crayfish, small fish and worms


Breeding Habits- Hellbenders usually breed in autumn, August or September. They rarely breed in winter but sometimes they do. The males dig nests under rocks at the bottom of the stream. The male waits until a female goes in the nest and lays the eggs, the male fertilizes the eggs and they hatch in about 8 weeks. Until the eggs hatch, the male stays with the eggs.

What they look like- they have a flat body and head. They also have large tail, tiny eyes; fleshy folds of skin along the body help them to take in oxygen from the water. They are dull brown or gray to a bright orange or red. The largest hellbenders get up to 2 1/2 feet and grow up to 74 centimeters.

Category- they are amphibians. 

Environment

Hellbenders live in water, they need water to survive. Hellbenders can be found in small and large streams. Yet, more likely the Hellbenders are found in rivers because of the wide range of space that the Hellbenders need. The amphibian needs cool and clear water. In the water, the Hellbenders swim mostly around flat rocks, which they use as shelter against predators.

Problem

Hellbenders are endangered because of pollution. Since so much pollution is dumped into streams, many Hellbenders are dying. Most of the waste that is dumped into rivers is acid. The acids in the waste are not only harmful to Hellbenders, but also to fish, and other aquatic animals.

Solution 

The Hellbenders are dying off mainly because of pollution in the water that they live in. I think the habitat in which they live in should be protected so that they can survive. I also think that people should not to throw garbage, or any waste in the water. One thing the government is doing is organizing groups to help clean up rivers that serve as a habitat for the Hellbender and other fish. 

Summary

Hellbenders are large salamanders. They live up to 29 years old. They live in small and large size lakes and streams with clear water and many rocks. They eat worms, snails, small fish, and baby crayfish. They are endangered because of water pollution. They inhabit most of the eastern United States and can grow up to 2 and ½ feet tall.

References 

Hellbenders.sanwalddesigns.com
MCPS.org
Enature.com