Length 8–13 in. (20-33 cm). Mudpuppies inhabit Lake Erie, large rivers, and streams, throughout Ohio. Since they are essentially nocturnal and will tolerate deep, muddy water, they are seldom seen. They feed on crayfish, aquatic insects, and just about anything else they can scavenge. Notice the broad, flattened head, the distinctive, squarish snout, tiny inconspicuous eyes, and the bushy red gills. These give the mud- puppy a sinister appearance. Despite their looks, Mudpuppies are completely harmless to people. Young Mudpuppies mature when they are about five years old and eight inches long. They never undergo complete metamorphosis and retain their gills throughout life.
Text courtesy of the Ohio Division of Wildlife: https://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/portals/wildlife/pdfs/publications/id%20guides/pub348.pdf