A family of aquatic salamanders found in North America, characterized by long bodies, tiny eyes, and reduced limbs adapted for swimming.
From Greek 'amphi' (both) + 'uma' (uncertain origin, possibly from 'umami' or native American language) + '-idae' (family suffix). Named scientifically in the 1820s for these specialized aquatic salamanders.
Amphiumidae salamanders are aquatic acrobats—they've reduced their legs to tiny nubs because legs are basically deadweight when you're a full-time swimmer, yet they can still wiggle onto land if needed!
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