Which amphibian is considered the largest. The largest frog in the world: the amazing world of amphibians. The heaviest animal in the world
Amphibians, or amphibians (Latin Amphibia) are vertebrates that spend part of their lives on land. These include well-known tailless amphibians - frogs and toads (as well as garlic and toad), tailed amphibians - salamanders and ambistomas, newts, as well as legless amphibians - worms - tropical creatures that outwardly resemble worms.
Amphibians are relatively small creatures, among them you will not find such giants as among reptiles or fish. But even among the amphibians there are champions who are ready to declare themselves to the whole world. We will now tell you about the most famous large amphibians.
Chinese giant salamander
The largest modern tailed aphibia and aphibia in general is the Chinese giant salamander (Latin Andrias davidianus). Its length can be up to 1.83 meters, and its weight can be up to 64-70 kg. With such dimensions, she fits with the man himself. This amphibian lives in Eastern China (from the southern part of Guangxi province to the northern part of Shanxi). He prefers to live in cold and extremely clean mountain waters.
Japanese giant salamander
The Japanese giant salamander (Latin Andrias japonicus) is almost 2 times smaller than its "relative": its length is 1.53 meters, and its weight is 36 kg. Lives exclusively in Japan, distributed in the western part of about. Honshu, throughout the island of Shikoku and in some places on about. Kyushu.
Alleghenian hidden gaber
And the third representative of this order is the Alleghenian hibernation (lat.Cryptobranchus alleganiensis). It weighs only 1.5 to 2.5 kg, but it is considered the largest member of its family Cryptobranchidae, inhabiting the territory North America... This small and squat amphibian spends its entire life at the bottom of streams and rivers.
Goliath frog
Among tailless amphibians, the first place belongs to the goliath frog (lat.Conraua goliath), whose weight can reach up to 3.8 kg, body length without paws - 32 cm.This giant frog lives in Equatorial Guinea and southwestern Cameroon.
Reed toad, or yeah
The reed toad, or aha (Latin Bufo marinus) is the second after the goliath frog. Inhabitant of South and Central America. It grows up to 24 cm in length, weight - up to 2.65 kg.
African bullfrog
And the third among the "relatives" is the African bullfrog (lat. Lithobates catesbeianus). Grows in length up to 17-20 cm, weight adult happens to be about 2 kg (on average up to 1 kg). 
The largest frog once lived in Madagascar and weighed about 4 kg, i.e. she was not much larger than a goliath frog. The researchers named it the ominous name "Beelzebufo ampinga". As a result, a horned frog became its relative, and the largest among horned frogs is an ordinary slingshot, its weight is only 0.48 kg.
Spiny, or ribbed newt
Ribbed newt, or spiny newt (lat.Pleurodeles waltl) is the largest species of newt. The main habitats of this newt are Portugal, Spain and Morocco. Spiny newts are rather large animals: their body length reaches 20-23 cm, body weight - up to 3 kg, and growth - up to 15 cm. The life span of the spiny newt is up to 7 years.
Okinawan newt
The Okinawan newt (Latin Cynops ensicauda) is the largest species of the genus of East Asian newts (Latin Cynops). Do not confuse it with Chinese (dwarf newt "cynops orientalis") or Japanese (fire-bellied newt "cynops pyrrhogaster"), as they all share similar coloration. 
The length of an adult is from 11 to 14 cm. The maximum (recorded) length for males is 12.7 cm, and for females - 18 cm. The life span of Okinawan newts is about 20 years!
100 great records of wildlife Nepomniachtchi Nikolai Nikolaevich
THE LARGEST EARTHWATER - GIANT SALAMANDRA
The largest amphibian is the giant, or gigantic, salamander that lives in Japan and China. The largest of these caught salamanders weighed 65 kg and reached a length of 1.8 m - a real monster the size of an adult.
Salamanders are tailed amphibians. Tailed amphibians are few in number, but much more famous than tailless. With their unusual appearance and habits, they have long attracted Special attention people, and some of their representatives received names mythical creatures(newts, proteas, sirens, salamanders). In comparison with the other two orders, the tailed beasts are not very specialized animals with "normal" limbs and a developed tail. In appearance, they are most similar to fossil amphibians.
Fossilized remains of a giant salamanders Andrias scheuchzeri, whose length exceeded 1 m, were known to scientists long before East Asia a living form of this tailed amphibian was discovered. Andrias occurred in Europe from the Oligocene to the Pliocene, in North America from the Miocene to the Pliocene, and in East Asia from the Pleistocene to the present day. When in 1726 a physician from Switzerland A. Scheuchzer first found the skeleton of this amphibian, he was mistaken for the remains of a person who did not survive the biblical Flood. That's why amazing creature received the name Homo diluitestis - "Man - witness to the flood." Only much later did it become clear that it was a salamander. She received her name from Cuvier in honor of A. Scheuchtser. The oldest remains of tailed amphibians come from the Jurassic.
By the end of the Triassic, the last labyrinthodonts, a characteristic group of Paleozoic amphibians, die out. One of the later representatives of labyrinthodonts was Mastodonsaurus, whose remains are often found in the Upper Triassic deposits of Europe and North Africa... This is the largest amphibian of all time, the length of its flattened skull reached 1.25 m, body length - up to 3 m. Mastodonosaurus led an aquatic life and fed on fish; died out at the end of the Triassic.
Nowadays, about 400 species of tailed amphibians live on Earth, united in 10 families. Two of them are Olympic salamanders (Rhyacotritonidae) and Pacific giant salamanders(Dicamptodontidae) - isolated relatively recently. Each of these two families includes one genus and four species of North American amphibians, which were previously considered representatives of the Ambistomidae family. Pacific giant salamanders should not be confused with true giant, or gigantic, salamanders belonging to the family of hidden gibers. Pacific giant salamanders also have a much more modest size - about 30 cm.
The rest of the tailed beasts are representatives of 8 "classical" families: salamander, or true salamanders (Salamandridae), salamanders (Hynobiidae), lungless salamanders (Plethodontidae), Proteus (Proteidae), cryptoe gabernacles (Cryptobrancidae) and purely American Ambushia ) and sirens (Sirenidae).
The best known, of course, is the salamander family. Only about fifty species belong to it, but, firstly, they are found very widely - in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa, and secondly, they include the most familiar species to us, such as newts living in ponds ( Triturus) and fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra).
By the way, there is some confusion with the name "salamander". There are actually salamanders (species of the genus Salamandra), there is a generalized name "salamanders" for all representatives of the Salamandridae family (that is, tritons can also be called salamanders), there is the word "salamander", which is included in the names of some amphibians of other families (for example, giant salamanders , or lungless salamanders), and there is, finally, not related to taxonomic nomenclature, the word "salamander", applied to a variety of tailed amphibians.
There is a tendency to increase the list of amphibian species. After all, relatively recently total number species of tailed amphibians were estimated at less than three hundred, and now, recall, there are about 400 of them. Here is an example - earlier a list of species of newts found in Russian Federation, consisted of 3 species - ordinary (Triturus vulgaris), comb (T. cristatus) and Asia Minor (T. vittatus) found in the North Caucasus. Now Karelin's newt (T. karelinii), which was previously considered a subspecies of the crested newt, has been added to the three listed.
In addition to these 4 species of newts, of the tailed amphibians on the territory of Russia, there are only two more species - representatives of the salamander family. In Siberia, the Siberian salamander (Salamandrella keyseriingii) is widespread, penetrating into the northeast of the European part of the country. Salamander is the record holder among cold-blooded animals for resistance to cold. Of course, it is difficult to call any amphibian "cold-loving", but in the case of the salamander this is exactly the case. These animals can be active at minimum positive temperatures: they are mobile at + 2–4 ° C, reproduce in water bodies as soon as the ice melts, at a water temperature of +4 ° C, during wintering they can tolerate freezing to -40 ° C. This is a record negative temperature, carried by vertebrates in a state of winter torpor.
The second representative of salamanders in our fauna is the Ussuri clawed newt (Onychodactylus fischeri). This rare animal is included in the Red Book of Russia. It is found only in the southern part Of the Far East, where it inhabits mountain streams and rivers. In the Ussuri newt, the lungs are not developed, and gas exchange in oxygen-rich water occurs through the skin.
The detachment of tailless amphibians is the most extensive and widespread group of modern amphibians. With all their diversity, all tailless have a similar body structure, due to the fact that in the course of evolution they have formed adaptations for movement by jumping with a simultaneous push from both hind limbs. Before the jump, the segments of these limbs are folded, and during the jump they sharply straighten, giving the body a powerful impulse. To enhance this impulse, the hind legs of tailless amphibians do not consist of three common for all four-legged divisions, but of four: in addition to the thigh, tibia and foot, they have a so-called secondary tibia formed by elongated bones of the tarsus. In addition, the hind limbs of tailless are especially muscular (in those countries where frogs are considered a delicacy, it is their hind legs that are eaten).
The body of these amphibians has become short and monolithic: they have very few vertebrae, which are articulated into a single vertebral column - they can freely turn their head and bend the body in waves, as tailed amphibians do, tailless cannot. The tail would also only be a hindrance to the jump, and therefore it is completely lost.
Currently, up to 26 families and about 4000 species are distinguished in this order.
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We present to your attention the most amazing giants that have ever inhabited our world.
Sarcosuchus
A genus of giant crocodilomorphs that inhabited the territory of modern Africa at the beginning of the Cretaceous. Sarcosuchus reached 12 m in length, and its mass reached 8 tons. It is one of the largest giant crocodile-like reptiles that have ever lived on Earth.
Titanoboa
A species of extinct snakes that lived on the territory of modern Colombia about 60 million years ago.
Titanoboa reached 13 meters in length and weighed over a ton. The predator had no poison, so she simply choked and swallowed her prey.
Syrian camel
The growth of this animal reached 4 meters. This giant lived in Syria about 100 thousand years ago. The remains of the animal were first discovered in 2005. According to scientists, ancient people actively hunted the camel, which could lead to the extinction of the species.
Mosasaurus
Mosasaurs reached a length of more than 17 m, and were also distinguished by massive teeth adapted to crushing bones and tearing the flesh of large prey. These marine animals ate their own kind and plesiosaurs.
Liopleurodon
Another type of marine reptiles of the middle jurassic... Liopleurodon reached 25 m in length and weighed about 100 tons. The predator ate large fish, molluscs and from time to time attacked other marine reptiles.
Indricotherium
The tallest and heaviest land mammals that have ever existed: their height was about 5 m, and their weight reached 20 tons. These animals from the family of hyracodont lived 30-20 million years ago in the Middle Oligocene - Lower Miocene. They ate leaves and shrubs, inhabited the territory of modern Asia.
Kronosaurus
One of the largest pliosaurs of the early Cretaceous era. Reached about 10 m in length, and weighed 18 tons. The name was given in honor of the titanium Crohn from ancient greek mythology.
Megalodon
One of the biggest predatory fish of all time. Megalodon existed in the Miocene and Pliocene, and on average reached a length of about 15 m, and weighed up to 47 tons.
Leedsichtis
Giant extinct bone fish Jurassic period. The length of the Lidsichtis was about 30 m, and the weight was 19 tons. Like the whale shark, it ate plankton.
Shastazaurus
A genus of ichthyosaurs from the Middle and Late Triassic. The largest marine reptile ever discovered. The length was 20 m, weight - 35 tons. Presumably, the Shastazaurs fed on molluscs.
Asian straight-tailed elephant
The largest representative of the proboscis, whose height reached 5 m and a weight of 22 tons, lived in the Pleistocene in the territory from India to Japan.
Spinosaurus
Incredibly large carnivorous dinosaur that lived in the territory of modern North Africa in the Cretaceous period. Spinosaurus was enormous in size: about 18 m in length and weighing up to 20 tons. The animal was adept at swimming, and its main food was fish.
Argentinosaurus
Also one of the largest animals in the entire history of the world. So far, only fragments of its skeleton have been found, so estimates of length range from 22 to 35 m, and weight - from 60 to 108 tons. The growth process took 40 years, and Argentinosaurus consumed 100 thousand calories daily.
Whale shark
The largest shark species currently in existence, and also the largest of all modern fish. It reaches 11 m in length and weighs approximately 18 tons, but this is not the limit. It feeds on plankton.
Blue whale
The largest modern animal, probably the largest animal that ever lived on Earth. Its length reaches 33 m, and its weight can exceed 150 tons. The length of a newborn blue whale is 6-8 meters, and it receives up to 90 liters of milk every day. Intensive fishing has led to a significant reduction in the number of these animals.
The largest among the tailed amphibians are the Chinese (Andrias davidianus) and Japanese (A. japonicus) giant salamanders. Their length reaches 160 cm. They live in mountain rivers and feed mainly on fish. The Chinese salamander is one of the prototypes of the main character of Chinese folklore - the dragon. Among the tailed amphibians are the Chinese (Andrias davidianus) and Japanese (A. japonicus) giant salamanders. Their length reaches 160 cm. They live in mountain rivers and feed mainly on fish. The Chinese salamander is one of the prototypes of the main character of Chinese folklore - the dragon. Chinese salamander Japanese salamander
Of the tailless amphibians, the largest is frog-goliath... It reaches a length of 33 cm, and with outstretched legs - more than half a meter. The goliath frog lives only in an area about 100 km wide - in Cameroon mountain rivers with waterfalls. Of the tailless amphibians, the largest is the goliath frog. It reaches a length of 33 cm, and with outstretched legs - more than half a meter. The goliath frog lives only in an area about 100 km wide - in Cameroon mountain rivers with waterfalls.
Most fertile The most fertile are the aha toad and bullfrog from North America. During the breeding season, their females lay more eggs. The most prolific are the aha toad and the bullfrog from North America. During the breeding season, their females lay more eggs. Yeah - big poisonous toad... Bull frog
The smallest representatives of tailless amphibians are dart frogs from the Short-headed family living in Central America. Their length does not exceed 2 cm. The smallest representatives of tailless amphibians are dart frogs from the Short-headed family living in Central America. Their length does not exceed 2 cm.
The most elongated Eel amphium from the United States reaches a length of 1.5 m, but at the same time it is very graceful - only 3 fingers thick, and with rudimentary limbs. The eel amphium from the USA reaches a length of 1.5 m, but at the same time it is very graceful - only 3 fingers thick, and with rudimentary limbs.
The most venomous South American dart frogs are the most venomous amphibians and terrestrial vertebrates in the world. Their poison is 20 times stronger than poison curare. The Indians grease their arrows. The slightest wound from such an arrow can be fatal. South American dart frogs are the most venomous amphibians and terrestrial vertebrates in the world. Their poison is 20 times stronger than that of curare. The Indians grease their arrows. The slightest wound from such an arrow can be fatal.
The most vociferous Obviously, these are the already mentioned bullfrogs - large (up to 20 cm) frogs from the USA. When the chorus of these frogs screams in the pond, it is impossible to conduct a conversation. Obviously, these are the already mentioned bullfrogs - large (up to 20 cm) frogs from the USA. When the chorus of these frogs screams in the pond, it is impossible to conduct a conversation. Something similar happens in the tropics during the rainy season in the foothills of the Himalayas: croaking, whistling and trills of various tailless amphibians literally deafen. Something similar happens in the tropics during the rainy season in the foothills of the Himalayas: croaking, whistling and trills of various tailless amphibians literally deafen.
Flying frogs Flying frogs are members of the copepod frog family from Asia, such as the Javanese copepod frog. Large webbing between the toes allows them to glide when jumping from tree to tree at a distance of up to 7 m. Flying frogs are members of the copepod frog family from Asia, such as the Javanese copepod frog. Large webbing between the toes allows them to glide when jumping from tree to tree up to a distance of 7 m.
Grasping limbs South American tree frogs of the phyllomedusa genus are unique among amphibians - they have real grasping limbs, which, like hands, cling to branches. These tree frogs do not jump, but walk slowly on outstretched legs, but they grip them so tightly that it is impossible to tear the tree frog from the branch without damaging its legs. South American tree frogs of the phyllo jellyfish genus are unique among amphibians - they have real grasping limbs, which, like hands, cling to branches. These tree frogs do not jump, but walk slowly on outstretched legs, but they grip them so tightly that it is impossible to tear the tree frog from the branch without damaging its legs. Adult phyllomedusa cannot swim and, once in the water, may even drown. Adult phyllomedusa cannot swim and, once in the water, may even drown.
Monuments to frogs Monuments to a frog in Paris and Tokyo are a tribute to respect and recognition of the truly invaluable merits of these animals in the development of science. Monuments to the frog in Paris and Tokyo are a tribute to respect and recognition of the truly invaluable merits of these animals in the development of science. Monument to the frog near the building of the Pasteur Institute in Paris.
Amphibians are the well-known frogs and toads (toads and toads belong to the same group of tailless amphibians), newts, salamanders and ambistomas (tailed amphibians), as well as worms (legless amphibians) - tropical creatures that really resemble worms in their body shape.
Amphibians are relatively small creatures. Among them there are no such giants as among or reptiles. The largest amphibian, the gigantic salamander, lives in China and Japan. It reaches a length of 1.8 meters and can weigh up to 70 kg. The largest frog lives in Africa. This is a goliath, its weight is up to 3.5 kg. The smallest - poison frog Cuban dwarf, its body length is only 8-10 mm.
Records for worms relate to the ratio of body length and thickness. So, one of these amphibians living in Colombia has a body diameter of 3 cm and a length of 1.5 meters. Thus, the length is 15 times the thickness. But this worm can be considered a real plump compared to such graceful species, which are 100 times thicker in body length!
Two reptiles are fighting for the championship in length - an Asian reticulated python and an anaconda from South America... There are known specimens of these species of snakes, which reach a length of 11-12 meters. If such a snake were to stretch out on the floor of a subway car, there would not be enough space for it! By weight, the anaconda is more impressive: up to 227 kg.
The largest poisonous snake - King Cobra, 3-4 m long. The bushmaster from the forests of Africa is not much inferior to her. Crocodiles also reach impressive sizes. Nile crocodiles are very large, with a tail, their length is 7-9 meters. The largest reptile in the world is the combed crocodile.
In the past, there were huge specimens of these living in tropical regions of Asia - up to 10.5 meters. However, in the twentieth century, because of the beautiful skin of the crocodile, such an excessive hunting was open for him that the species was noticeably smaller, and now it is difficult to find crocodiles more than 2-3 meters in length. Currently, crocodiles are listed in and are protected by law.
A very diverse group of reptiles. The largest lizard is the giant monitor lizard, or dragon from the island of Komodo. On average, its length is slightly more than two meters, and its weight is about 60 kg. The champion dragon reached a record length of 3 meters 10 cm. He weighed 166 kg.
Another lizard, a monitor lizard from Papua New Guinea, is several tens of times inferior to the Komodo dragon in weight. These slender and graceful animals weigh about 6 kg. But on the other hand, these are the longest representatives of lizards. Their length reaches 4 m 75 cm (albeit thanks to the long tail, which makes up almost 70 percent of the total length).
The smallest lizards, a kind of dwarf crocodiles, do not exceed 1.7-1.8 centimeters, and this is together with the tail. These crumbs live in Haiti and the Virgin Islands. Very different different types lizards and body shape. The "thinnest" lizard is a legless lizard from Australia. Her body is half a meter long, thin as a pencil.
But the so-called horned toad, which lives in the arid regions of the United States and Mexico, is the "widest" one. Of course, this is not at all, but a real reptile. But the shape of her body, similar to a saucer (15 centimeters in length and almost as much in width), gave rise to this name, as well as its scientific name - "frinosoma", which in Latin means "hardy".
Giants are found among both land and sea. We will only mention the weight of some of them. A sea leatherback turtle can weigh up to 800 kilograms. And the land giant tortoise living in the Seychelles is much "lighter", but still its weight inspires respect - up to 385 kilograms. Her body length is 1.4 meters.
Pictured above is a giant salamander, a Nile crocodile and a leatherback sea turtle.