Tailed amphibians with slender, lizard-like bodies and moist skin, which keeps them near water or damp places. They are best known for regrowing lost limbs and other body parts.
Quick answers
What is it?Amphibian
Carnivore?Insects only
Dangerous?Can be
Some species’ skin contains the powerful poison tetrodotoxin, advertised by bright warning colours.
Domesticated?No
Awake when?Night
Most salamanders' eyes are adapted mainly for seeing at night.
Hibernates?No
Kept as a pet?Sometimes
Do people eat it?No
At a glance
Found inNorth America, Europe, Asia, Central America, South America
HabitatForest, Rivers & lakes, Wetland, Mountains
ColoursBlack, Yellow, Orange
SizeSmall
Legs4
Covered inSkin
Lives alone
Lives for10–20 years
Can swim
Lays eggs
In the wild
- Where it lives
- Mostly the Northern Hemisphere, richest in eastern North America; some in Central and South America.
Did you know
Some breathe entirely through their skin, having no lungs at all.
Salamanders never have more than four toes on their front feet.
Often confused with
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