Alpine Stream Salamander

A small, slender salamander typically measuring 3.5–5.5 inches (9–14 cm) in total length. Body is elongate and gracile with a relatively long tail comprising approximately half the total body length. Head is small and somewhat flattened. Dorsal coloration is typically dark brown to nearly black, often with a slight bronze or olive sheen. The dorsal surface may exhibit subtle darker marbling or mottling, though many individuals appear relatively uniform. A faint yellowish or light-colored vertebral line may be present along the midline in some specimens. The sides are similarly dark brown. Limbs are short and slender, with four toes on the forelimbs and five on the hind limbs; digits are relatively blunt. Costal grooves are typically 14–16 in number and quite distinct. Skin is smooth and slightly granular in texture. The ventral surface is lighter than the dorsal surface, ranging from gray-brown to pale brown, sometimes with small dark mottling. Tail is gradually tapered and lacks prominent keeling. This species is fully aquatic to semi-aquatic and is endemic to high-altitude mountain streams and seepage areas of the Tibetan Plateau and adjoining mountains, typically occurring in clean, cold, fast-flowing or spring-fed waters at elevations of 3,000–5,000 meters (9,843–16,404 feet). Substrate preference includes rocky areas and moss-covered stones in pristine alpine streams. Diet consists of small aquatic and semi-aquatic invertebrates including insect larvae, small crustaceans, and other micro-invertebrates.