Chinese giant salamander

Velemlok čínský zoo praha 1

Animals-08-00161-g001

Andrias davidianus 01

A. davidianus farms

A. davidianus, London zoo

Andrias davidianus Hongqiaozhen

== Chinese Giant Salamander ==

The Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus) is the largest living amphibian and is endemic to China. It is a member of the family Cryptobranchidae, which also includes the Japanese giant salamander and the North American hellbender. The Chinese giant salamander is considered a critically endangered species due to habitat loss, pollution, and over-exploitation for food and traditional medicine.

Description

The Chinese giant salamander can grow up to 1.8 meters (5.9 feet) in length, although most individuals are smaller. It has a broad, flat head with small, lidless eyes and a wide mouth. Its skin is dark brown or black, with a rough, wrinkled texture that provides camouflage in its natural habitat.

Habitat

This species inhabits rocky, fast-flowing streams and rivers in forested or mountainous regions. It prefers clear, cold water with high oxygen content. The Chinese giant salamander is primarily nocturnal and spends much of its time hiding under rocks or in crevices.

Diet

The Chinese giant salamander is a carnivorous predator. Its diet consists mainly of fish, crustaceans, insects, and other small aquatic animals. It uses a sit-and-wait strategy to ambush prey, relying on its keen sense of smell and lateral line system to detect movement in the water.

Reproduction

Breeding occurs in late summer, with females laying eggs in underwater nests guarded by males. The eggs hatch into larvae, which undergo a lengthy metamorphosis before reaching adulthood. The larvae have external gills and are fully aquatic.

Conservation Status

The Chinese giant salamander is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to severe population declines. Major threats include habitat destruction, water pollution, and over-collection for the pet trade and traditional Chinese medicine. Conservation efforts are underway, including captive breeding programs and habitat restoration projects.

Cultural Significance

In Chinese culture, the Chinese giant salamander is known as "娃娃鱼" (wáwá yú), which means "baby fish" due to its vocalizations that resemble a crying baby. It has been a part of Chinese folklore and traditional medicine for centuries.

Related Pages

• Cryptobranchidae
• Japanese giant salamander
• Hellbender
• Amphibian
• Critically Endangered species
• IUCN Red List