3 ¼ - 5 in. 

Record – 5 ⅞ in.

Stout salamander with a keeled tail and pointed tip.

Mottled back that’s variable in color, usually dark brown or blackish markings on a gray or light brown background. 

The belly is white or light gray, with uniform gray or light brown markings. 

Sometimes, a single row of white dots appears on the sides, between the legs.

Preferred habitat includes the rocky banks of mountain streams with well-aerated water. 

Cool, hardwood-shaded ravines and spring-fed brooks.

Always found close to water.

Burrows during the day.

At night, it can be found at the opening of its burrow in the stream bank or perched on a wet rock.