Other Amphibian of the Week

Gaboon Caecilian (Geotrypetes seraphini)

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photo by Henk Wallays

leastconcern

Common Name: Gaboon Caecilian
Scientific Name: Geotrypetes seraphini
Family:  Dermophiidae
Locations: Cameroon, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone
Size: 15.7 inches (400 mm)

The Gaboon Caecilian is an amphibian, not a snake, worm, or eel. Caecilians are adept at underground life and have characteristics that reflect that. They don’t have legs to help them move easier through the tunnels underground. They have poor eye sight because they don’t need to see well in the darkness of the underground world.

The Gaboon Caecilian is a viviparous species of caecilian, which means they give live birth to live young. They can give birth to up to four baby caecilians that can reach lengths of 3 inches. Water is not needed for breeding for caecilians.

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