The genus of giant aquatic salamanders found in Asia, including the Chinese giant salamander, characterized by hidden gill structures and wrinkled skin.
From 'crypto-' (hidden) plus 'branchus' (gill variant). This genus name was established in zoological taxonomy during the 19th century to classify this specific group of primitive, elongated salamanders.
The Chinese giant salamander in this genus is one of Earth's largest salamanders and can grow over 5 feet long. Despite their size, they were 'hidden gills'—scientists couldn't find obvious external gills like in other creatures.
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