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How do salamander larvae capture prey underwater?
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Caudata
Tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum) are widespread across much of the United States. Although they are generally black with yellow blotches, bars, spots, or even stripes, some are lighter in colour or have olive markings. Tiger salamanders belong to the mole salamander family, Ambystomatidae.
In most salamander larvae, prey is captured underwater using a "gape-and-suck" method. To execute this, the larva expands its throatâor gapesâto create suction that draws both water and prey into its opened mouth. Skin flaps located around the mouth help direct the movement of the water during this process. Once the prey is captured, the larvae utilize their teeth to hold and shred the food.12