Giant Salamander

Giant Salamander

Andrias
Cryptobranchus

Cryptobranchidae is a family of salamander commonly known as the Giant Salamanders. A single species, the hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) occurs in the eastern United States, while Asian species occur in both China and Japan. They are the largest living amphibians known today. The Japanese giant salamander (Andrias japonicus), for example, reaches up to 1.44 metres (4.7 ft), feeds on fish and crustaceans, and has been known to live for more than 50 years in captivity. The Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus) can reach a length of 1.8 metres (5.9 ft).

Read more about Giant Salamander:  Etymology, Physical Description and Feeding, Taxonomy, Natural Habitat, Cultural References

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