Greater Siren (Siren lacertina)

Common Name: Greater Siren
Scientific Name: Siren lacertina
Family: Sirenidae
Location: United State – Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia
Size: 19.5 – 38 inches (50 – 98 cm)

The Greater Siren is found in ditches, canals, lakes, marshes, rivers, and streams in the Southeastern United States. It is the largest of all the sirens, with some reaching over 3 feet long. Just like all sirens, they lack hind legs, retain their gills into adulthood, and are fully aquatic. Not much is known about the biology of the Greater Siren because of their secretive nature as they hide in burrows during the day and are slightly more active during the night.