Seal salamanders are usually tan to brown with darker spots or worm-like markings on the back.
The belly is transparent or very pale and there are 14 costal grooves. The tail is compressed, sharply keeled, and has a pointed tip. Supposedly, they look like little seals sitting on rocks. This species is usually found in cool, high gradient streams in the Mountains of West Virginia. They hide under rocks, logs, and moss during the day.