Why Don't Giant Salamanders Stay Neotenic? (Cryptobranchidae)

[tim dune]

They live all their live in water but decided to get rid of their gill stalks? What benefit does that serve?

 

[JaceW/Lifer-Log]

I have the same question! Sorryu not the responce you are looking for.

 

[bron-bron89]

Could be phylogenetic, perhaps this clade of giant salamanders never had the ability to develop neoteny. Could be that their folds of skin are better at oxygen exchange in fast moving water, while most other salamanders have a smooth body plans as larvae. Gills could also perhaps be very fragile in the habitat they are found, as they squeeze under rocks, and fight off intruders.