Habitat: Where Do Caecilians Live

Most caecilians are burrowers, living under swampy lands
while there are some American species, known as aquatic caecilians as they live
in streams and rivers.

What Do They Eat

Researchers have found detritus from their body, implying
they are carnivores. Not much is known about their diet, but it is believed
that with their sharp teeth, caecilians are able to consume mollusks. Along
with that, they eat termites, earthworms, lizards, beetle pupae, and small
snakes.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Male caecilians with their phallodeum, an intromittent
organ, generate and deliver sperm into the cloaca of female caecilians. The
internal insemination process lasts for two to three hours. While most species
are viviparous, they give birth to young caecilians.

However, a few species are oviparous as they lay eggs in
damp and moist burrows or holes. The egg-laying female protects the eggs
throughout. While some are born fully developed, some go through the
metamorphosis process post their birth. Some larvae are semi-aquatic, and they
roam near water bodies, sometimes going into the water for eating planktons.
Gradually, their skin thickens and sensible tentacles develop as they reach
adulthood.

Threats and Predators

Snakes, turtles, and crocodiles are common predators of
caecilians.

Interesting Facts

• Caecilians are the only known amphibians to have
  tentacles.
• They are also the only amphibian species to mate
  through internal insemination.
• Viviparous caecilians have a unique way, known
  as dermatotrophy, of feeding their unborn babies (foetus). The mother grows nutrient
  and fat enriched skin in her oviduct (the part starts from her ovary and reaching
  outside). This skin is consumed by the young caecilians with their hook-like
  teeth.
• For closing their jaws, many caecilians species
  have two sets of muscles. This is an adaptation for making burrows, where they
  need to have their jaws and skull firm.
• One particular species, Typhlonectes natans is incorrectly known as Rubber eels. Sometimes
  at aquarium stores, this species is enlisted and sold as a fish.
• Only one species, known as Atretochoana eiselti
  doesn’t have lungs. Those who have lungs, also breath through skin and mouth.