Amphibians are a group of rather complex creatures, they have a larval stage in which they are aquatic, but undergo a metamorphosis that allows them to be terrestrial or semi-aquatic. Amphibians, even if on land must be close to a water source, so they don't dry out. Amphibians also must lay their eggs in water for protection from drying out. Amphibians secrete a mucous that can keep them moist for a longer period of time.
The
Chinese Giant Salamander is one incredible species in this class.
Andrias Davidianus is the scientific name, the
Andrius genus has only 2 extant species.
Andrius Davidianus can reach up to 6 feet in length, earning the name Giant salamander. The Chinese Giant salamander lives in fast running cold streams and lakes in China, it inhabits crevices in these streams and lakes, and is completely aquatic. Lacking gills however, this species breathes through its skin.
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| http://club.cn-zhangjiajie.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/ZJJ-giant-salamander.jpg |
This species has external fertilization in mating crevices which the males will defend, sometimes to a point of extreme violence. The female then enters the crevice and deposits between 400-500 eggs. These eggs will hatch in between 12-13 weeks. The father stays with the eggs and protects them until hatching. When hatched the larvae have gills, but are only about 3cm in length. These salamanders are very long living and will survive for up to 50+ years.
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| http://www.caudata.org/cc/images/species/Andrias/A_davidianus1BACHHAUSEN.jpg |
The IUCN red list shows them as critically endangered, or near extinct. The main reason is they are caught by the hundreds each year, and are sold as food illegally. Scientific studies are nearly impossible because of the low numbers of this species, they are becoming more and more difficult to find, and little is known about their habits and impact on the environment.
