Editing Hellbender (section)

==Adaptations==
Hellbenders are superbly adapted to the shallow, fast-flowing, rocky streams in which they live. Their flattened shape offers little resistance to the flowing water, allowing them to work their way upstream and also to crawl into narrow spaces under rocks. The wrinkles and folds along their skin are used to expand surface area for [[cutaneous respiration]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hellbender Salamander |url=https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/animals-we-protect/hellbender-salamander/ |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=The Nature Conservancy |language=en-US}}</ref> Their skin also has a secretion that is important for innate immunity against chytrid activity.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Hardman |first1=Rebecca H. |last2=Reinert |first2=Laura K. |last3=Irwin |first3=Kelly J. |last4=Oziminski |first4=Kendall |last5=Rollins-Smith |first5=Louise |last6=Miller |first6=Debra L. |date=2023-02-03 |title=Disease state associated with chronic toe lesions in hellbenders may alter anti-chytrid skin defenses |journal=Scientific Reports |language=en |volume=13 |issue=1 |pages=1982 |doi=10.1038/s41598-023-28334-4 |issn=2045-2322 |pmc=9898527 |pmid=36737574|bibcode=2023NatSR..13.1982H }}</ref> Although their eyesight is relatively poor, they have light-sensitive cells all over their bodies. Those on their tails are especially finely tuned and may help them position safely under rocks without their tails poking out to give themselves away. They have a good sense of smell and move upstream in search of food such as dead fish, following the trail of scent molecules. Smell is possibly their most important sense when hunting. They also have a [[lateral line]] similar to those of fish, with which they can detect vibrations in the water.<ref name=Mattison2>{{cite book|last=Mattison|first=Chris|title=Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians|year=2005|publisher=Grange Books|location=Rochester, Kent|isbn=978-1-84013-794-1|page=22|chapter=What is an amphibian?}}</ref>
[[File:Hellbender Salamander.JPG|thumb|Hellbender on display at the [[Smithsonian National Zoological Park]], Washington, D.C.]]