Typhlonectes natans

(Fischer, 1880)

Vernacular names
English : Rubber eel, Rio Cauca caecilian
French : Cécilie du Rio Cauca

Classification
Class : Amphibia
Order : Gymnophiona
Family : Typhlonectidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a total length of 55 cm. Eel-like body with rather small head and very small eyes. Body surface very smooth. Coloration from beige-grey to light brown, sometimes with faint darker blotches.

Range and habitat
The species is found in South America, from western and Central Colombia (Rio Cauca and Magdalena) to Lake Maracaibo basin in Venezuela. Found in open areas of lakes, rivers and marshes, especially in polluted waters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has a large range and so far remains fairly common. It can withstand important habitat degradation, including pollution of water.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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