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.

Much like the Barton Springs Salamander, the only known habitat for the Austin Blind Salamander is Barton Springs. However, unlike the Barton Springs Salamander, Austin Blinds are not typically seen near the surface. They 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. Interestingly, another large spring system in Texas is also home to a pair of spring and cave dwelling salamander species: San Marcos Springs in San Marcos (Hays. Co.) has surface-dwelling San Marcos Salamanders (Eurycea nana) as well as troglobitic Texas Blind Salamanders (Eurycea rathbuni).

Unfortunately, because their habitat is not readily accessible by humans, and they are only occasionally observed in the springs, very little is known about the natural history of these subterranean animals.

The video below shows how aquatic salamanders respire. 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. Oxygen exchange also occurs through the skin.