Chinese Giant Salamander
Andrias davidianus

One of the largest salamanders in the world, the Chinese giant salamander spends its entire life underwater. Taking refuge inside a rock crevice along the bank of a fast-flowing stream, the salamander faces outward to wait for unwary prey to wander by. As an animal draws near, the salamander opens its mouth suddenly to suck in and gulp its prey.

Fact File

Length: Up to 5 ft

Weight: 60 lbs

Habitat: Mountain streams

Prey: Frogs, crabs, fish, shrimp, snakes, aquatic insects, water rats, and turtles

Non-venomous

Status: Species at Risk (U.S. Endangered Species Act—Endangered)