Salamander is a type of amphibian, close relative of frogs and toads. They live mostly in the northern hemisphere, in the wet areas near the lakes and ponds. Depending on the species, some salamanders spend their life in the water, other on the land, while the most species live part of their life in the water, and part on the land. There are about 500 known species of salamanders.
Fast Facts about Salamander
1. Salamanders vary in size. Minute salamander is the smallest salamander, reaching only 1.1 inches in length. Chinese giant salamander is the largest salamander, reaching over 6 feet in length and weighing of up to 140 pounds.
2. Salamanders’ legs are very short. Their tummies drag on the ground when they walk.
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3. Salamanders look like lizards because of their long and slim body, but unlike lizards they have smooth and glossy skin.
4. Salamanders are carnivores. They move slowly so they have to catch slow-moving prey like worms or snails.
5. Some salamanders are brightly coloured, some others are not. It all depends on the amount of the pigments in the skin.
6. Light coloured species spend most of their time hidden underground, or in the dark caves. Body colouration, especially bright colours, indicates that animal can be poisonous. Their skin is covered with mucus which contains bitter substances which make them inedible (poisonous) for predators.
7. Salamanders must stay near water. If they get too dry and hot, they’ll die.
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8. Salamanders will develop missing limb or tail in the next couple of weeks due to incredible power of regeneration.
9. Most salamanders are born from the eggs without a hard shell that are laid in the water.
10. Salamanders can live very long period of time. Chinese giant salamander can live up to 55 years.
