Japanese Giant Salamander
ExploreAmphibians
Japanese Giant Salamander
Andrias japonicus
The Japanese Giant Salamander is a big and friendly-looking creature. It can live for a very long time, sometimes over 100 years!
Habitat: Freshwater rivers and streams
Appearance
The Japanese Giant Salamander has mottled brown and black skin, offering excellent camouflage in rocky riverbeds. It features a broad, flattened head with tiny eyes and a wide mouth, and its body is covered in distinctive, loose wrinkles.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderCaudataFamilyCryptobranchidaeGenusAndrias
Category
AmphibiansRarity
Rare
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite their massive size, they spend almost their entire lives hidden under rocks in rivers.
These salamanders can make a barking sound, similar to a dog's bark!
They are 'living fossils,' having changed very little for millions of years!
They can live for over 50 years, making them one of the longest-living amphibians!
Special abilities
Ability
Underwater Whisper
Japanese Giant Salamander can breathe through its skin because its large surface area and thin skin absorb oxygen directly from the cool, flowing water.
Ability
Stealthy Ambush Hunter
Japanese Giant Salamander can patiently wait for prey because its camouflage and low metabolism allow it to stay motionless for long periods before striking.
Ability
Low-Light Navigator
Japanese Giant Salamander has poor eyesight but highly sensitive senses of touch and smell that help them detect prey in murky, dark river waters.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 60-150 cm
- Weight
- 5-25 kg
- Lifespan
- 50-80 years
- Top Speed
- 2 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 400-600
- Metamorphosis
- 730-1095 days
Diet & Feeding
They are top predators, eating fish, frogs, and insects they ambush in their freshwater homes.
Age differences: Young salamanders eat smaller insects and crustaceans, while adults hunt larger fish and crabs.
Primary Foods
- fish
- crabs
- frogs
- aquatic insects
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
hunts
Masu Trout
Oncorhynchus masou
A primary prey fish in its river habitat.
hunts
Montane Brown Frog
Rana ornativentris
Adults and tadpoles are caught in the water.
hunts
Red Swamp Crayfish
Procambarus clarkii
An invasive species, often consumed.
Traits
Webbed Feet
Characterized by having toes connected by a membrane, typically aiding in swimming.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Freshwater
Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.
Regenerative
Regenerative organisms possess the ability to regrow lost or damaged body parts, tissues, or organs.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Giant
Giant describes organisms or objects of significantly larger size than average for their species or type.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Giant SalamanderJapanese Giant Newt
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Japanese Giant Salamander?
60-150 cm
How much does Japanese Giant Salamander weigh?
5-25 kg
How long does Japanese Giant Salamander live?
50-80 years
How fast can Japanese Giant Salamander move?
2 km/h
What does Japanese Giant Salamander eat?
They are top predators, eating fish, frogs, and insects they ambush in their freshwater homes.
Where is Japanese Giant Salamander usually found?
Freshwater rivers and streams
How does Japanese Giant Salamander hunt?
Ambush
How many eggs does Japanese Giant Salamander lay?
400-600
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