In the world there are many very curious animal species. Here we present an animal with a very curious name: the gallipato.
Although it has this denomination, it has nothing to do with chickens or ducks. In fact, it is an amphibian. If you want to know what is a gallipato, don't miss this new article on our site.
If you have a Gallipato as a pet in your home, don't hesitate to comment or send us your photographs, let's go!
What is a Gallipato
The popular name of this animal is Gallipato, its scientific name is Pleurodeles w altl. It is an amphibian of the salamander family.
It has the privilege and recognition of being the largest amphibian in Europe, since it can measure up to 40 centimeters. Of its body, a very important part is the tail (it is half of its body).
His head is big, on the top he has his little bulging eyes. The skin is full of warts. Its color can vary from black to a somewhat dark yellow.
However, its most common color is gray alternated with black spots. The tail has the same colors except for some orange stripes. The males, in the reproductive season, have a caudal crest.
Differences between a male and female Gallipato
Gallipatos show sexual dimorphism (males and females are different).
The males are thinner, more stylized. At the same time, its legs are more developed than those of the female. Also, his tail is longer. On the other hand, the female's head is larger.
Another characteristic of the male, during the reproductive period, is that he has black calluses on his forearms. Those calluses help keep the female from slipping off during mating.
The male gets below her and carries her on her back. So hours and days can pass. The male will then turn around and stimulate the female. The female is capable of laying between 300 and 1000 eggs at a time.
Gallipato way of life
Grills They are almost all the time in the water. Only the youngest come out. Normally at night. They are great swimmers, but on land they tend to be rather clumsy.
A very characteristic behavior of this species of amphibian is when they feel threatened. They smash their head and body into the ground in an exaggerated manner. In these cases, it can emit sounds that the human ear can capture perfectly.
The Gallipato is carnivorous, like other amphibians. It feeds on other aquatic specimens smaller than itself:
- Larvae
- Tadpoles
- Leeches
- Carrion
- Crustaceans
- Worms
It usually attacks everything that enters the water, so it is not uncommon for cases of cannibalism to occur. They like to live in flat areas of medium altitude. They can usually be found at:
- Slow Course Streams
- Marshes
- Watering holes
- Riberas
- Tanks
- Muddy Ponds
- Lagoons
- Wells
Specimens can be found in the Iberian Peninsula, in Castellón and Valencia. Also, in the south of Catalonia, Almería and Murcia.
Discover also on our site…
- Curiosities of the axolotl
- Steps to follow when bitten by a snake
- The 10 most poisonous animals