Austin Blind Salamander

The Austin Blind Salamander (Eurycea waterlooensis) gets its name because it does not have image-forming eyes; this is a result of adapting to life in its primary habitat - the dark, underground waters of the Edwards Aquifer that feed Barton Springs.

The only known habitat for the Austin Blind Salamander is Barton Springs. Austin Blind Salamanders occupy the habitat below the surface of the springs, where their unique adaptations likely give them a selective advantage in a world of total darkness and limited food. San Marcos Springs in San Marcos, TX is also home to two spring and cave dwelling salamander species: the San Marcos Salamander and the Texas Blind Salamander. Very little is known about these subterranean salamanders since their habitat is not readily accessible by humans, and they are only occasionally observed in the springs.

Description:

½” to over 3” long
Translucent surface with three pairs of red external gills
Pearly-white to lavender colored
Square-shaped snout
Eye-spots, but no image-forming eyes
Eats small invertebrates

Habitat:

Aquatic its entire life
Needs flowing water with a fairly consistent temperature of 70ºF
Thought to spend its entire life in the aquifer; individuals observed are presumably washed through the spring outlets
Eggs have never been observed in the wild or in captivity

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