Scientific Name – Andrias japonicus

Classification – Carnivore

Baby Name – Efts

Collective Noun – Congress, band or maelstrom

Average Length – 160 cm

Average Weight – 25 kg

 Speed – Can travel short distances quickly

Life Expectancy – 80 years

Mating Season – Late August

Incubation Period – 12 to 15 weeks

Special Features – Absorbs oxygen through the skin;  has special sensory cells in its skin through which it detect minute vibrations in the environment essential for its hunting as the animal has poor eyesight

Family Unit –  Solitary except during the breeding season; sedentary to some extent

Geographical Distribution – Japan

World Population – Unknown

Conservation Status – Vulnerable

Natural Habitat – Streams having rocky or gravel bottoms with riffles

Diet – Insects, frogs, fish

Predators – Fish, humans