I wrote back asking, But what about the giant salamander?
From the theatlantic.com
Specifically, the Japanese giant salamander travels up stream into the mountains to spawn and lay eggs.
From the en.wikipedia.org
The well-known Japanese mythological creature known as the kappa may be the Japanese giant salamander.
From the en.wikipedia.org
In addition to fish, the basin supports 18 species of amphibians, such as the Pacific giant salamander.
From the en.wikipedia.org
Her personal favourite is the Chinese giant salamander, a slimy lizard-like animal which breathes through its skin.
From the newscientist.com
The Japanese giant salamander, being restricted to streams with clear, cool water, is entirely aquatic and nocturnal.
From the en.wikipedia.org
Grall had pitched a photo spread and article on the life cycle of the hellbender, a 3-foot giant salamander he had documented in Garrett County.
From the orlandosentinel.com
The Japanese giant salamander has been the subject of legend and artwork in Japan, for example, in the ukiyo-e work by Utagawa Kuniyoshi.
From the en.wikipedia.org
On Thursday one Japanese giant salamander peered with beady little eyes at media and special zoo guests gathered at his 8-foot tank in the new breeding facility.