Hynobiidae - Asiatic salamanders

There are 36 species in this family. They are all found in Asia. Most species are 4-10 inches in length. They have smooth skin, stout bodies, and eyelids. Most species live on the land and have lungs. Females lay masses of 35-70 eggs and the male fertilizes them. The female usually guards the eggs. Larvae in this family have external gills and four gill slits. Species in this family include: the Chinese salamander, the Ochikura swamp salamander, the Alpine stream salamander, the Tokyo salamander, and the Arimine salamander.