The Austin Blind Salamander (Eurycea waterlooensis) gets its name because it does not have image-forming eyes; this is a result of adapting to life in its primary habitat - the dark, underground waters of the Edwards Aquifer that feed Barton Springs.
The only known habitat for the Austin Blind Salamander is Barton Springs. Austin Blind Salamanders occupy the habitat below the surface of the springs, where their unique adaptations likely give them a selective advantage in a world of total darkness and limited food. Very little is known about these subterranean salamanders since their habitat is not readily accessible by humans, and they are only occasionally observed in the springs.
Video of Austin Blind Salamander "Breathing"
This close-up of an Austin Blind Salamander shows red blood cells rapidly moving through capillaries in the salamander’s gills. In this process, the red blood cells pick up oxygen in the water and release carbon dioxide as they move through the gills, just like our lungs when we breathe air.
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