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Coastal Giant Salamander

Coastal giant salamander is a species of salamander endemic to the United States and Canada. The species is mainly nocturnal; however, it may be active during the early morning hours as well. The salamander is solitary except for the breeding season. The species is territorial too.



    Kingdom Animalia
    Phylum Chordata
    Class Amphibia
    Order Urodela
    Family Ambystomatidae
    Genus Dicamptodon
    Scientific Name Dicamptodon tenebrosus


    Size Up to 34 cm (13 in)
    Weight 22 to 114 g
    Color Light brown or brassy background color with marbled or reticulate pattern of dark blotches on the head, sides and back
    Distribution Northern California, Oregon, Washington (United States), Canada
    Habitat Under rocks and logs in humid forests, near mountain streams, rocky shores of mountain lakes
    Diet Aquatic organisms, terrestrial prey like mice and shrews
    Predators Weasels, Garter snakes, water shrews, river otters, Salmonids
    Breeding Season Spring through fall
    Mode of Reproduction Oviparous (egg laying)
    Clutch Size 135 to 200 eggs
    Incubation Period 6 to 7 months
    Reproductive Age 5 to 6 years of age
    IUCN Conservation Status Least Concern

    Coastal Giant Salamander Pictures Gallery

    Published on March 18th 2017 by under Salamanders. Article was last reviewed on 30th September 2019.

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