#sirenidae

A reticulated siren (Siren reticulata) in Northern Florida, USA

Eastern Lesser Siren (Siren intermedia nettingi), family Sirenidae, Sheldon Lake State Park, East TX, USA

This eel-like aquatic salamander retains its gills into adulthood.

They have only 2 tiny front limbs.

The are able to use gills, lungs, and skin for respiration.

They grow to a length of up to 69 cm (27 in).

Mainly nocturnal.

Live in freshwater ponds and wetlands.

Spends most of its time buried in muddy sediment.

Sirens feed on small aquatic creatures and algae.

Salamanders require moisture to survive, so what do they do when there's no moisture to be found? The lesser siren has just the solution! Although they primarily reside in wetlands, during periods of drought they bury themselves underground and build a cocoon of mucus in which they can remain dormant-- or aestivate-- for up to two years!

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Sirenicos Gnosthera, they manage Den of Dianthas: a casino floating above water with the resemblance of a lotus

A siren thiren with quite and alluring voice…. Be sure not to be awake at night, and you’ll find yourself oddly… impulsive?

Som color stuff I did digitally hehe

And a joke bit because they’re a Siren (Family Sirenidae), they actually exist!! Just not those pretty aquatic (or avian depending which depiction you’re going for) humanoid creatures. They’re salamanders!

Western lesser siren (Siren intermedia nettingi)

A dwarf siren salamander aglow with bioflourescence. Research suggests the ability to emit the flourescent glow after absorbing light energy may be widespread in amphibians including salamanders and frogs

Photograph: Jennifer Y Lamb/Matthew P Davis/PA