Hynobiidae – Asiatic salamanders

Practice external fertilization that look like that someone crossed a frog with a lizard

This group of salamanders found in Eurasia is known for their small size, with many species measuring less than 15 cm (6 in) in length. Hynobiid salamanders have slender bodies and short legs and are adapted for life in cold, fast-flowing streams and rivers. They can withstand low oxygen levels and freezing temperatures, thanks to specialized proteins in their blood that act as antifreeze.

Hynobiid salamanders are carnivorous, feeding on insects, worms, and small invertebrates. They are important indicators of ecosystem health, as their presence can indicate clean, oxygenated water and a healthy food web. Many hynobiid species are at grave risk of extinction due to habitat destruction and other human activities.