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Hellbender

Hellbender
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Lissamphibia
Order:Caudata
Family:Cryptobranchidae
Genus:Cryptobranchus
Species: alleganiensis
Binomial nomenclature
Cryptobranchus alleganiensis Daudin
Subspecies
  C. a. alleganiensis (Eastern Hellbender)
  C. a. bishopi (Ozark Hellbender)

The Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) is a large aquatic salamander mainly home to the Mississippi river system. Reaching a length of 18 inches (46 cm), it is described as having a flattened head and body, short legs, and a compressed tail. The gills are concealed, but it otherwise resembles the mudpuppy.