Salamanders are amphibians that typically have slender bodies, short legs, and long tails. They prefer to live in or near water, since most need water to lay their eggs. Keeping their skin moist is very important. Some species even breathe through their skin rather than gills or lungs. Salamanders are carnivorous and usually eat insects, small fish, and even other salamanders. Some can regenerate lost limbs if they are attacked by a predator.
In mythology, salamanders are associated with fire. Their skin is thought to be poisonous, and this substance is what protects them from flames. The creature these myths are based on, the fire salamander, is a real member of the newt family that is black with yellow spots. Here you will find salamanders of both real and mystic kinds, along with a few lizards and dragons.
