Ichthyophis tricolor, the three-colored caecilian or Maddatorai caecilian, is an amphibian endemic to the Western Ghats, India. Its taxonomic status is unclear, including its relationship with Ichthyophis beddomei and the possibility of cryptic species.

Description

Adult measure 226 - 330 mm in total length, including the 3 - 6 mm long tail. Its body is violet-brown, with a yellow lateral stripe from the lips to the tip of the tail, slightly wider and unbroken at the neck. A broad, white ventral stripe is present. Its snout is slightly projecting, the eyes are distinct, and the tentacles are placed closer to the eye at the edge of the upper lip.

Habitat and conservation

Ichthyophis tricolor is a subterranean species associated with wet, semi-evergreen tropical forests, but also agricultural areas and rubber plantations. It occurs from near sea level up to 1200 m asl. It is an oviparous species with terrestrial eggs and aquatic larvae. Ichthyophis tricolor is not uncommon in parts of its range. It is an adaptable species that occurs in several protected areas.