Andrias

Andrias is a genus of large salamanders in the family Cryptobranchidae. These salamanders are commonly known as Asian giant salamanders. The genus currently contains two recognized species: Andrias davidianus, the Chinese giant salamander, and Andrias japonicus, the Japanese giant salamander. A third species, Andrias sligoi, the South China giant salamander, was described in 2019.

These amphibians are the largest living salamanders in the world, with adult Chinese giant salamanders reaching lengths of up to 1.8 meters. They are aquatic and inhabit cold, fast-flowing streams and rivers in mountainous regions. Their diet consists primarily of fish, insects, and small crustaceans. Giant salamanders possess a flattened body, a broad head with small eyes, and a long, powerful tail. They have a distinctive, wrinkled skin texture.

Both Chinese and Japanese giant salamanders are critically endangered in the wild. Major threats include habitat loss and degradation due to pollution and dam construction, overcollection for food and traditional medicine, and the introduction of invasive species. Conservation efforts are underway in both China and Japan to protect remaining populations and their habitats.