The Texas Blind Salamander
(Typhlomolge Rathbuni)
The Texas blind salamander is a sightless, rare, underwater, cave dwelling salamander. It has red external gills that are used to absorb the oxygen in the water. It's native to the Edward Aquifers in San Marcos, TX. This completely aquatic species feeds on insects and other small invertebrates that live in subterranean waters and are nourished by the droppings of bats in caves.
The salamander is endemic to the underground water systems so it spends it's entire life in total darkness. It very sensitive to the water quality thus making it vulnerable to harmful pollutants. Diminishing springflows, pollution of groundwater, and development over recharge areas have threated this species to near extinction.