Reptiles & Amphibians

An assortment of reptiles and amphibians that might be observed in and around the water. There are many other types as well. Except for a single species of frog, amphibians are absent from the marine environment.



Bullfrog

Rana catesbeiana

Size: to 6"

Habitat: prefers larger bodies of water

Notes: This big frog will eat almost anything that moves. They have been known to catch and eat birds.


Salamander

many species

Salamanders are terrestrial as adults, but eggs and larvae are aquatic. Larvae have both gill slits and external gills. A few species are completely aquatic, retaining these features as adults. Some salamanders are boldly colored and patterned and easy to identify, but many are simply small and brown and very difficult to tell apart, like this one.


Northern Water Snake

Nerodia sipedon

Size: to 42"

Habitat: in and around water

Notes: Not poisonous, but likely to bite if caught, with sharp, needle-like teeth. These snakes retreat into the water at the slightest disturbance, and are excellent swimmers, although they show no particular adaptations to it like oceanic sea snakes. Common small harmless Garter snakes are also often found around water. Most sport some variation of an attractive pattern of yellow/black stripes.


Common Musk Turtle

Sterotherus odoratus

Size: to 4.5"

Habitat: in and around water

Notes: Also known as 'Stinkpots'. Often bad-smelling, sometimes snappy, and a nimble climber. Occasionally, this little turtle is even found in trees.


Snapping Turtle

Chelydra serpentina

Size: to 15" (body)

Habitat: hides on the bottom in any type of water

Notes: Generally docile and easily approached in the water, but should be treated with respect for its powerful bite. This turtle can easily amputate a finger or toe and becomes pugnacious when landed. If you have the patience, try to see how long this turtle can go between breaths. A lot longer than you or me, that's for sure.


Painted Turtle

Chrysemys picta

Size: to 6"

Habitat: shallow water over muddy bottoms

Notes: Also known as 'Sliders'. Likes to sun itself on floating logs. Sliders are not native to New Jersey, but the descendants of released pets are quite common.


Feather Blenny

Hypsoblennius hentzi

Size: to 5"

Habitat: bays, estuaries, protected coastal waters

Notes:

Blennies live on the bottom in oyster beds or mussel beds. If you find an old piece of pipe or a bottle in the river, look inside - you'll probably find a blenny.

Printed from njscuba.net