Texas Blind Cave Salamander

Eurycea rathbuni

Body Length:3"–5"
Geographic Distribution:San Marcos, Texas
Habitat:Subterranean fresh water streams and pools
Wild Diet:Snails, shrimp, and other small crustaceans
Status in the Wild:Vulnerable
Location:The Living Coast

Found only in the subterranean caves near San Marcos, Texas, these salamanders extract oxygen from the water through bright red gills. Texas blind cave salamander has a wide, flat head and nose with long, thin legs, and a thin tail, resembling a fin, that comes to a point. Its vestigial eyes are behind non-opening lids rendering the salamander unable to see. Its body is white with the exception of red external gills that resemble a frill.