Clouded Salamander with Extra LImb

Salamander Video Clips

(Replays Automatically - No Sound)

On January 3, 2007, around 8 PM, we recorded this juvenile Clouded Salamander that was no bigger than 1 inch. We originally thought some debris was stuck to the salamander, but upon closer observation, there is an extra arm that lays over the back of its head. This arm has a fin-like end. As you can see in the video, the salamander lifts the end of its fin-like limb up in the air. It appears polymelia is not common with salamanders, especially the Clouded Salamander because they lay their eggs on land and in shaded places. So, it is a mystery as to what caused this abnormality.

You can read more about salamanders in the Critters Section.