Scientific Name – Ambystoma gracile

Classification – Ambystomatidae

Baby Name – Efts

Collective Noun – Congress, band or maelstrom

Average Length – 4 – 10.7 cm (snout to vent length); 14-22 cm (total length)

Top Speed – Fast moving

Life Expectancy – 5 years (in wild); 10.2 years (in captivity)

Breeding Season – January-May

Incubation Period – 1-2 months

Special Features – Adults consist of metamorphosed terrestrial salamanders and neotenic aquatic-dwellers; terrestrial individuals are mainly fossorial; neotenic individuals possess gills

Family Unit – Solitary creature except during the breeding season; no parental involvement after the eggs are laid

Geographical Distribution – Pacific coast of North America

World Population – Unknown, but considered to be stable

Conservation Status – Least Concern

Natural Habitat – Humid areas within dense forests and open grasslands; migrate to aquatic sites during breeding

Diet – Small invertebrates, tadpoles, snails

Predators – Fish