2. Body is very long and cylindrical, measuring about 90cm in length, and divided into head, trunk and tail.
3. The general color of the body is black. Head bears nostrils and eyes.
4. Eyes are without eye-lids and functional.
5. Fore and hindlimbs are tiny and almost vestigial, which are of no value in locomotion.
6. A small pair of open gill-slits, lungs with long trachea supported by cartilages are present.
7. Sternum is absent.
8. It is a semi-larval form. Amphiuma lays its eggs in water and the female coils around them for protection (parental care).
9. Amphiuma is a partly metamorphosed animal with small eyes. It has lidless eyes, four branchial arches, amphicoelous vertebrae and paralelly arranged maxillary and vomerine teeth. Erythrocytes 90 micrometers in size.
Source:
1. Practical Zoology Vertebrates by S.S.Lal. 2. A Manual of Practical Zoology Chordates by Dr. P.S. Verma.
