Amphiumidae

Amphiumidae, commonly known as congo eels, are a family of three species of North American salamanders belonging to the order Caudata. These amphibians are often mistaken for eels or snakes due to their long, slender bodies and small, inconspicuous legs. They typically inhabit swamps and drainage ditches.12

Amphiumas possess strong jaws and sharp teeth, and unlike most salamanders, they can bite fiercely. Their diet consists mainly of small animals such as crayfish, clams, and snails. Fertilization is internal, and females lay clutches of 40 to 350 eggs. The genus Amphiuma is the only genus within the Amphiumidae family.123