Pacific Giant Salamander

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The Pacific Giant Salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus) is found along the coast of the Pacific Northwest in forest areas with cold water streams.

Giant is an appropriate name for the salamander because it is the largest in the United States. Full grown adults commonly reach one foot in length, including the tail.

The above picture shows the salamander in its larval stage, in shallow water. It has small gills to breath and a tail fin to help it swim.

Once they reach adulthood these salamanders can choose either an aquatic or terrestial lifestyle.

Their diet consists of smaller aquatic and/or terrestial organisms in their territory.

© 2007 Patricia A. Michaels