Rio Cauca Caecilian: (Typhlonectes natans)
Cayenne Caecilian: (Typhlonectes compressicauda)
Caecilians are limbless amphibians that live mainly underground; some species
(Typhlonectes) are entirely acquatic. They have worm-like, segmented bodies and most are native to tropical regions.
Aquatic Caecilians live in freshwater and have a small fin along their back.
The Rio Cauda Caecilian, Typhlonectes natans, above, is grey and can grow to some 50cm.
It is native to rivers of northern and western Colombia and Venezuela.
Blue-grey
Girth compared to human finger.
Segmented like worms.
The pointed snout is aquadynamic and used to shovel in mud/sand.
They have eyes but vision is poor to non-existent. They may detect light and dark.
The face has small sensors and the mouth has small, sharp teeth to grip earthworms and insects.
The Cayenne Caecilian, Typhlonectes compressicauda, above, can also grow to some 50cm and
is native to rivers of the Amazon Basin and northwestern South America.
Coming up for air. As an amphibian, only the young have gills. The adult can take oxygen through its
skin and mouth but does occasionally breathe air into its lungs.
Feeding frenzy knot.
They give birth to live young.