Phenomena>On exhibit

Creature Closeup: Aquatic Caecilian

If love is blind, then it makes sense that "caecilian" is Latin for "blind one." See why we're swooning for this endearing amphibian with a serious underbite.
September 15, 2023
Molly Michelson and Nick Perez
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An aquatic caecilian in its habitat at the Academy
Aquatic caecilian (Typhlonectes natans)

Size: 18-22 inches
Range: Columbia, Venezuela, possibly Trinidad and Tobago
Habitat: Tropical and subtropical rivers, marshes, and lakes
IUCN Red List status: Least concern

It’s a worm! It’s a snake! No… It’s our aquatic caecilian! These amphibians are limbless and nearly blind, but their keen sense of smell and thick skull (no offense) are ideal for snuffling through sediment and slurping up prey. On today’s menu? Shrimp and bloodworms! *Chef’s kiss*

An aquatic caecilian in its habitat at the Academy
An aquatic caecilian in its habitat at the Academy
An aquatic caecilian in its habitat at the Academy
The three stages of caecilian snack time: Sniff, scarf, smile. All caecilian photos: Gayle Laird © California Academy of Sciences
Find it at the Academy

Our aquatic caecilian and Surinam toad habitat is between the rainforest exit and Amazon Flooded Forest Tunnel. View on our interactive map

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