Chinese Giant Salamander Skull BC-122
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One of the world's largest amphibians, the Chinese Giant Salamander can reach lengths of almost 5 feet and weigh up to 50 pounds. They have a broad, flat head with tiny, lidless eyes set on top. The Vomerine teeth parallel the maxillary tooth rows in a long arc. The lower jaw is equipped with a series of small sensory tubercles that help this completely aquatic giant navigate its surroundings and hunt its prey of fish and crustaceans. They have an elongated body, short legs and a broad, flat tail. A giant salamander's skin is rough, porous and wrinkled, which gives it a large surface area for cutaneous respiration. They are said to live over 80 years.

They inhabit clear fresh water streams and ponds that contain many depressions and small caves in Mainland China. During the breeding season males will stake out and defend a breeding cavity or small cave. The female enters and lays a string of approximately 500 eggs, which the male fertilizes externally and guards fiercely until they hatch.