Pacific giant salamander

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Pacific Giant Salamanders
Dicamptodon tenebrosus
Dicamptodon tenebrosus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Caudata
Family: Dicamptodontidae
Genus: Dicamptodon
Species

Dicamptodon aterrimus
Dicamptodon copei
Dicamptodon ensatus
Dicamptodon tenebrosus

The Pacific giant salamanders (Dicamptodontidae) are a family of large salamanders.

The family includes only a single genus, Dicamptodon. Specimens are up to 30 cm (12 in) long, and are found in the Western USA and South Western British Columbia. Except for their size, they are similar to the mole salamander family (Ambystomatidae) in which they were originally included.

While most salamanders are silent, the Pacific giant salamander is one of several salamanders that have vocal abilities.[1] When startled, the salamander may respond with a croaky souding cry similar to that of a barking dog.

Partially submerged sub-adult in Copeland Creek, Fairfield Osborn Preserve.
Partially submerged sub-adult in Copeland Creek, Fairfield Osborn Preserve.

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