Typhlonectidae

views updated

Typhlonectidae (typhlonectids; class Amphibia, order Apoda) A family of caecilians that are aquatic throughout life. The tail is absent. There are no dermal scales. Reproduction is ovoviviparous. The gills are bag-like; the gill slits close before hatching. Typhlonectids feed mainly on small, aquatic vertebrates. There are 18 species, all S. American.

More From encyclopedia.com