Greater siren

Siren lacertina

Size: 50–98 cm · 0.2–1 kg
Diet: Carnivore
Activity: Nocturnal
Sociality: Solitary
Lifespan: 15–25 years

The greater siren is a large aquatic salamander of southeastern North American wetlands. It lacks hind limbs and retains external gills throughout life.

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Key facts

Greater siren (Siren lacertina) is a carnivore animal classified as Amphibian · Caudata · Sirenidae.
Primary habitats are freshwater, with a range across Nearctic.
Activity is nocturnal, sociality is solitary, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
The greater siren is a large aquatic salamander of southeastern North American wetlands.
It inhabits Nearctic swamps, marshes, vegetated ponds, and slow channels.
Typical lifespan: 15–25 years

Sources

wikidata.org

Range

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

It inhabits Nearctic swamps, marshes, vegetated ponds, and slow channels. When water levels fall, it may retreat into mud and aestivate through dry periods.

Appearance

Length is 50-98 cm and weight 200-1000 g. The eel-like body has only small forelimbs, feathery external gills on each side of the head, and dark grey to brown coloration.

Behavior

Nocturnal and solitary, it hides among aquatic plants and soft bottoms. When disturbed it writhes away, aided by slippery mucus.

Feeding

A carnivore, it eats aquatic insects, snails, crustaceans, worms, and small fish. It probes mud and vegetation and often takes prey by suction.

Reproduction

Breeding is hard to observe, but eggs are laid underwater among vegetation or bottom material. Young have external gills, and adults retain a larval-like form.

Notes

It is listed as Least Concern. Vegetated wetlands are important for the species, so drainage and poor water quality can affect local populations.