Albino Salamanders, or baby cavedivervores?

[JahJahwarrior]

I saw a new animal in a cave today! And, it made me think of The Cave, in a bad way! I think that was the movie with the evolved creatures in it that ate some spelunkers...

I saw a few of them, but they were all tiny, the biggest were about an inch to an inch and a half long, if I had to guess. If I didn't have to guess, then I'd just say they were tiny...

At first, the smallest ones made me think of tadpoles, but I managed to stumble across a larger one, and I swear I saw four little legs! Seemed to be swimming using a short tail, but the legs were visible when he stopped swimming so furiously.

At first, I thought it was cute, then I remembered the very fresh looking, decomposing turtle I'd seen earlier, and I started keeping an eye over my shoulder for bigger versions of the cute little creatures.

So, ye greate cave experts...what did I see? Is there such thing as an albino cave salamander? And if so, how do they co exist with the crayfish, and the little baby catfish? What order does the food chain go? I thought there was a sub section for animal life, but can't find it.

[Kevin Carlisle]

In Hole in the Wall you can see many albino salamanders. They are called Blind Georgia Salamanders. I can't remember seeing them anywhere else.

[DA Aquamaster]

I've only seen them in hole in the wall as well and the largest were perhaps just over an inch in length.

However I spoke with a local zip code Marianna area diver last week who has seen slightly larger ones (perhaps 2 inches) in a second cave in the area.

[Webmaster]

Of course there are. The only ones I've seen in FL were in the panhandle.

There are also varieties in Texas, Mexico and some of the other SW states I believe

In Tennessee we have the Tennessee Cave Salamander (gyrinophilus palleucus), which is also our official state amphibian. They don't get over about 6"-8" though. One of the best sites is Snail Shell Cave right down the road.

[Ben M]

I see them in almost all of the caves in my area, the "main" caves and those off the beaten path. They are quite common in this area. I'm not sure I pay attention enough to say for sure, but they are easier to find out of the flow and in silty areas. I don't know if they hang out in the silt or are just more easily spotted than when clinging to white limestone where there is not much contrast. They are even in JB but a bit harder to find.

[MORGAN]

I've seen quite a few of the Georgia Blind Cave Salamanders in Hole and in Twin, even though I have only a total of 8 dives in these two caves. Biggest ones maybe 2.5 inches.

Mike

[JahJahwarrior]

I'm sure you've seen them in the cave I noticed them in, Ben M. I suppose they spend their entire life in the cave zone?

Very cool to see them on this trip...one of many things that already has me wondering if I should use the Christmas vacation to hole up in the Motel Sandusky again... Never seen them in any cave south of Madison.

[Kelly Jessop]

I'm sure you've seen them in the cave I noticed them in, Ben M. I suppose they spend their entire life in the cave zone?

Very cool to see them on this trip...one of many things that already has me wondering if I should use the Christmas vacation to hole up in the Motel Sandusky again... Never seen them in any cave south of Madison.

Haideotriton wallacei-they are troglobitic,and they can only be found in about 4 cave systems between GA and FL

[wingman]

Haideotriton wallacei-they are troglobitic,and they can only be found in about 4 cave systems between GA and FL

Yes and they have been photographed in jackson blue as well just past the second t in the area by the jump to kings canyon. Bill

[Gene Powell]

Yes and they have been photographed in jackson blue as well just past the second t in the area by the jump to kings canyon. Bill

I've seen them on several occasions in this same area.