Fire Salamander ‒ Anatomy

Distribution: From the Iberian Peninsula to Iran and from North Africa to North Germany

Size Length: 15‒30 cm

Weight: 19.1 g (average)

Life Span: 24 years (captivity)

Diet: Carnivore

Social life: solitary

IUCN red list status: Least Concern





The Fire Salamander is an amphibian very well distinguished by having bright yellow/orange coloured spots/bands covering its contrasting dark body. This last one is thin and elongated ending in a cylindrical tail shorter than its own head-body length.

Its biggest defence is toxicity. The bright colours it shows have the purpose of warning possible predators as large glands behind the eyes and rows of poison glands extending lengthwise down the animal's body secrete neurotoxins. The Fire Salamander even is capable of actively spraying these chemicals at predators to discourage attack.

With nocturnal habits, it usually spends the day resting beneath logs, rocks or hiding in crevices to conserve humidity whereas in a rainy day it often shows activity even during daytime. It can be found in woodland habitats, especially those with much shade and nearby ponds or streams for breeding.

This species hibernates during the hot weather periods and is typically viviparous. The female releases the young into water, usually in shallow brooks.