Cryptobranchidae

The Giant Salamanders (Cryptobranchidae) are aquatic amphibians found in brooks and ponds in Japan, China and with a similar specimen in the United States. The Japanese Giant Salamander reaches 3 feet and feeds on fish and crustaceans.

During mating season, these salamanders will travel upstream where, after the fertilization of the eggs, the male will guard them for at least 6 months. At this point, the offspring will live off their noticeable stored fat until ready to hunt.

The giant salamander has been given a place in mythology. In one particular Asian myth, the salamander, although resembling a typical specimen, it makes its home in fires; the hotter the better. Early travellers to China were shown garments which, or so they were told, had been woven of wool from the salamander: the cloth was completely unharmed by fire. The garments had actually been woven from asbestos.

• Genus Andrias (Giant Salamanders)
  • Chinese Giant Salamander (Andrias davidianus)
  • Japanese Giant Salamander (Andrias japonicus)
• Genus Cryptobranchus (Hellbenders)
  • Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis )

Referenced By