The Chinese giant salamander, endemic to China, has the longest lifespan among all amphibians and is currently the largest amphibian on Earth.It lives underwater but has no gills – it absorbs oxygen through its skin!The prominent skin folds along its sides increase the surface area for oxygen absorption.The Chinese giant salamander is a flagship species of China’s freshwater river ecosystems.However, it is now critically endangered due to overharvesting for human consumption, habitat loss and water pollution.

It has mottled grey, green or brown skin, a long, stout body, short and thick limbs, a blunt head, and small eyes (without eyelids) behind the nostrils.Its tail accounts for more than half of its total body length.The Chinese giant salamander makes a sound similar to a baby’s cry, earning it the nickname “baby fish”.

Fish, frogs, worms, snails, insects, crayfish, crabs, and even smaller salamanders.

They are more active at night when searching for food, and hide in underwater hollows and caves during the day.