Unique Salamander Species Can Be Seen At Brookfield Zoo

BROOKFIELD, IL — Unless taking the time to look, guests visiting Brookfield Zoo’s Living Coast exhibit may miss one of the most unique-looking and smallest animals at the zoo—the Texas blind salamander. The zoo said they can be seen in an aquarium in the Rocky Shores habitat.

Eight salamanders arrived from Audubon Zoo in Louisiana, making Brookfield Zoo one of only three accredited North American institutions to have this species. According to the zoo, the salamanders are found only in the water-filled caves of the Edwards Aquifer in San Marcos, Texas. These salamanders are neotenic, meaning they never fully metamorphose, remaining in a juvenile-like aquatic stage even as adults.

The zoo said the species is listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List, and it is classified as endangered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The biggest threat to the species is water pollution and overuse of water.

Two tiny black spots found under the skin are its eyes, making the species totally blind, which is why the salamander is so adapted for life in a predominantly aquatic and underground environment. The zoo said it is a top predator and is able to find its next meal by sensing movement in its prey when there is subtle changes in water’s pressure. The diet consists mainly of snail, shrimp and other invertebrates. The species is a translucent white color with bright red gills that protrude from the throat area. They have a finned tail that makes up a large portion of their body length, which is between 3½ to 5½ inches.

Photo provided by Chicago Zoological Society, photo by Kelly Tone.