Chinese Salamander

A small salamander typically measuring 3.5–5.5 inches (9–14 cm) in total length. Body is slender and elongate with 13–14 costal grooves along the sides. Dorsal coloration is dark brown to blackish-brown, often with a lighter vertebral stripe running from the head to the tail tip. The vertebral stripe may be narrow or relatively broad, and its contrast varies among individuals. Lateral surfaces are often slightly lighter than the dorsal region. The head is relatively small and flattened. Eyes are small and positioned laterally. Limbs are short and relatively weak, with four toes on the front limbs and five toes on the hind limbs. Digits lack webbing. Tail is slender and tapers to a point, comprising roughly 50 percent of total length. Skin texture is smooth to slightly granular. Ventral surface is grayish to brownish, sometimes with lighter spots or mottling. A key diagnostic feature is the presence of a balancer-like tentacle near the gill region in larvae, which is retained in metamorphosed adults as a gill remnant. Primarily inhabits cool, shaded mountain streams, seepage areas, and spring-fed wetlands in forested regions, often found beneath logs, rocks, and leaf litter near water. Diet consists of small invertebrates including insects, tiny crustaceans, and other arthropods.