Nocturnal, it burrows into the silt and debris during the day. It feeds on crawfish, worms, mollusks and occasionally tadpoles. Sirens remain active during the summer as long as there is open water available. During hot dry summers, it covers its body with a protective mucus to prevent dehydration. It makes a soft, clicking sound when approached or surfacing for air.
Sirens squirm violently when captured and are very difficult to hold.
One or both members of a pair may show bite marks on the body and this is believed to be associated with the mating behavior. Breeding is believed to take place in the spring. Soon after, up to 200 eggs are laid in shallow water. In North America, this siren is found in the Mississippi Valley east to Alabama and west to Texas. In Missouri they are most abundant in the southeastern part of the state.