Fire Salamander

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 which is easily identified by its bright yellow/orange spots and stripes contrasted against a dark black body. The bright spots go all the way down to the tail which is about the same length as the body.

Don't let the colors fool you! They serve as an obvious warning to possible predators that the lizard is ready to attack with toxic poison. Large glands behind the eyes and rows extending lengthwise down the animal's body secrete neurotoxins. The Fire Salamander even is capable of spraying these chemicals at predators to discourage attack!

Fire salamanders are more active at night, that is to say they have 'NOCTURNAL tendencies. They usually spend the day resting beneath logs, rocks or hiding in crevices or other humid places to conserve moisture. On a rainy day, however, they might venture out as they do not have to be as concerned about conserving moisture. They are found in woodland habitats, especially those with ample shade and nearby ponds or streams for breeding. In particularly hot and dry periods, fire salamanders will even hibernate.

They reproduce by giving birth to live young which the females release into water, usually in shallow brooks. This means they are 'viviparous' or 'give birth to live young which developed in the body of the parent.'