Fire salamander
A species of Salamanders, Also known as Italian fire salamander Scientific name : Salamandra salamandra Genus : Salamanders
Fire salamander, A species of Salamanders
Also known as:
Italian fire salamander
Scientific name: Salamandra salamandra
Genus: Salamanders
Content
Description People often ask General Info
Description
Native to the damper regions of Europe, the beautiful yellow, orange and black tones present in the skin of fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) signal its dangerous toxicity. A remarkably long-lived species, one individual in Germany survived for over fifty years. It's one of the more popular aquarium species of salamander.
People often ask
General Info
Lifespan
10-20 years
Diet
Fire salamander predominantly feeds on small invertebrates, expressing a fondness for soft-bodied prey like slugs and worms. Occasionally, it's observed catching spiders and capturing elusive snails, exhibiting skilful hunting strategies.
Appearance
The fire salamander is a medium-sized amphibian with a slender body and smooth, glossy skin. Its most striking feature is its brilliant black and yellow color pattern, although some individuals may be more orange or red. The coloration forms an irregular pattern of spots or stripes, which is different in every individual. It has a long tail, which is flattened at the sides. Both males and females look similar and their coloration does not change with age.
Behavior
Fire salamander is a crepuscular, largely solitary creature. Known for its remarkable regenerative capacity, this terrestrial animal is most active on damp, rainy nights. Primarily carnivorous, it hunts small invertebrates using chemical senses. Unusually for amphibians, fire salamander exhibits direct development, with females often giving live birth. Territoriality is marked by scent trails.
Population
Decreasing
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Amphibians Order
Salamanders Family
True salamanders Genus
Salamanders Species
Fire salamander