The Georgetown salamander (Eurycea naufragia), also known as the San Gabriel Springs salamander, is a species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae. It is endemic to springs in Williamson County, Texas, near Lake Georgetown. It inhabits freshwater springs and, possibly, caves. It is threatened by habitat loss. Many of the springs where this species formerly lived have been destroyed by development, including creation of Lake Georgetown. The specific name (which means "remnants" in Latin) refers to the few remaining remnants of habitat for this species. Description Georgetown salamanders are small, permanently aquatic salamanders. Adults are typically in length and less than 0.5 cm in diameter. Although their coloration varies, most adults are dark brown, dark olive, or gray. Juveniles tend to be darker in color. Coloration is confined to the dorsal and lateral sides of the body; the ventral surface is usually translucent. Many individuals have a light, cream- or yellow-colored stripe on the top of the tail. The head is roughly shovel-shaped, broad but relatively short, and widest at the point where the upper and lower jaws meet. Three prominent external gills—often deep red in color—extend from each side of the head. The eyes are relatively large and have gold-colored irises. Black melanophores are concentrated around each eye, forming a black circle around the eye and a black line that runs from the corner of the eye to the nasal opening. There are 14-16 costal grooves, counting those in the fore limb and hind limb regions. Chippindale et al. (2000) described the osteology of the species and how it differs from that of E. tonkawae and E. chisholmensis. Distribution The Georgetown salamander is associated with wet caves and springs in the San Gabriel River watershed in Williamson County, Texas. Salamanders have been observed at 14 locations in the county. These locations include some historical records; ongoing studies are taking place at two of the locations. Within the spring flows, the majority of salamanders are observed within a few meters of the spring origin. Life history Most amphibians have biphasic lifecycles, spending part of their lives in water and part on land. However, the Georgetown salamander is permanently aquatic and retains its gills and flattened tail throughout its life. This retention of juvenile traits, called neoteny, is a fairly common trait within the genus Eurycea. The Georgetown salamander is active year-round. The Georgetown salamander is believed to reproduce in the