Giant salamander (gigantic): description, dimensions

In Japan, there live unusual huge creatures, which are the largest in the world tailed amphibians. The gigantic salamander is of two subspecies (Chinese and Japanese), which are very similar to each other and can freely mate with each other. Both varieties are listed in the International Red Book and are now on the verge of total extinction, therefore they are strictly protected by various international organizations.

Appearance

Looks not very attractive giant salamander (animal). Its description suggests that it has a trunk completely covered with mucus, and a large head that is flattened from above. Its long tail, on the contrary, is compressed laterally, and its paws are short and thick. Nostrils located at the end of the muzzle are too close together. The eyes look like beads and are devoid of age.

The gigantic salamander has warty skin with fringe on the sides, which makes the outlines of the animal even more vague. The upper part of the amphibian's body has a dark brown color with grayish divorces and black, shapeless spots. Such a discreet color allows it to be completely invisible on the bottom of the reservoir, as it well disguises the animal among various items of the underwater world.

This amphibian is amazing in its size. The length of her body along with the tail can reach 165 centimeters, and weight - 26 kilograms. She has great physical strength and is dangerous if she feels the approach of the enemy.

Where does he live?

The Japanese species of these animals inhabits the western part of the island of Hondo, and is also common in the north of Gifu. In addition, it lives throughout the island of. Shikoku and Fr. Kyushu. The Chinese giant salamander lives in the south of Guangxi Province and in Shaanxi.

Habitat for these tailed amphibians are mountain rivers and streams with clean and cool water, located at an altitude of about five hundred meters.

Lifestyle and Behavior

These animals show their activity only in the dark, and in the daytime they sleep in some secluded places. At dusk, they go hunting. As their food, they usually choose a variety of insects, small amphibians, fish and crustaceans.

On the bottom, these amphibians move with their short paws, but if there is a need for a sharp acceleration, then connect the tail. A giant salamander usually moves against the current, as this can provide better breathing. From the water to the shore, it comes out in very rare cases and mainly after spills caused by heavy downpours. A lot of time the animal spends in different holes, large grooves formed among the pitfalls, or in tree trunks and snags that have sunk and found themselves on the river bed.

The Japanese salamander, and also the Chinese, have poor eyesight, but this does not prevent them from adapting well and orienting themselves in space, because they are endowed with a wonderful sense of smell.

Moult data of amphibians occurs several times a year. The old lagging skin completely slides from the entire surface of the trunk. Small scraps and flakes formed in this process can be partially eaten by the animal. In this period, which lasts several days, they make frequent movements reminiscent of vibration. Thus, amphibians wash off all the remaining areas of the peeled skin.

A giant salamander is considered a territorial amphibian, therefore, it is not uncommon for small males to be destroyed by their larger brethren. But, in principle, these animals do not differ in excessive aggression and only in case of danger they can give off a sticky secret that has a milky color and resembles something like Japanese pepper.

Reproduction

This animal is usually mated during the period from August to September, after which the female lays its eggs in a dug hole under the shore at a depth of three meters. These eggs have a diameter of about 7 mm, and there are several hundred of them. They ripen for about sixty days at a temperature of water equal to twelve degrees Celsius.

Only when born, the larvae are only 30 mm long, the rudiments of the limbs and the large tail. These amphibians do not go to land until they reach the age of one and a half, when they will have fully formed lungs, and they will grow to puberty. Until then, the giant salamander is constantly under water.

Food

In the body of these tailed amphibians metabolism processes are very slow, so they can do without food for many days and are capable of prolonged starvation. When they have a need for food, they go out hunting and catch their prey with one sharp movement with a wide open mouth, due to which the effect of the difference in pressure is obtained. Thus, the victim safely goes to the stomach along with the flow of water.

Giant salamanders are considered carnivorous animals. In captivity, there were even cases of cannibalism, that is, eating their own kind.

Interesting to know

This rare amphibian has very tasty meat, which is considered a real delicacy. Also, a giant salamander is widely used in folk medicine. Interesting facts about this animal show that the preparations made from it can prevent diseases of the digestive tract, treat consumption, and also help with bruises and various blood diseases. Therefore, this creature, which survived the dinosaurs and adapted to all the changes in life and climatic conditions on the Earth, is currently on the verge of extinction because of human intervention.

Today, this species of tailed amphibians is under strict surveillance and is displayed on farms. But it is extremely difficult to create a natural habitat for these animals. Therefore, specifically for them were built flowing deep water channels in the designated nurseries. However, in captivity, unfortunately, they are not so large.