Eight species (but see text) Necturus is a genus of aquatic salamanders in the family Proteidae.

[2][3] The common mudpuppy (N. maculosus) is probably the best-known species – as an amphibian with gill slits, it is often dissected in comparative anatomy classes.

The common mudpuppy has the largest distribution of any fully aquatic salamander in North America.

[2][6][7] A 2018 study identified two lineages (Great Lakes and Mississippi River), but did not draw conclusions about species vs. subspecies status ("Our limited samples are consistent with either interpretation."

[8] Currently, the Society for the Study of Reptiles and Amphibians considers the Red River mudpuppy to be a subspecies of N. maculosus, but notes that "its taxonomic status requires further research.

They are moderately robust and have two pairs of short but well-developed limbs and a large, laterally compressed tail.

[14] Females lay eggs under rocks and other large cover objects in late spring and early summer.

This species has frequently been harmed via bycatch events (primarily passive ice fishing), chemical pollutants, and siltation.