Prague zoo claims to have the longest salamander on Earth
Prague Zoo says it likely has the longest Chinese giant salamander now on Earth.
The critically endangered animal is the largest amphibian on the planet.
In a statement Sunday, the zoo says Karlo, a Chinese giant salamander it received 19 months ago from the State Museum of Natural History in Karlsruhe, Germany, is likely the biggest representative of its species. The zoo says, according to the latest measurements done Friday, that Karlo is 1.58 meters (5 feet, 2 and 3/16 inches) long.
Karlo's age is estimated at 37 to 38 years and weight is 35 kilograms (77 pounds).
The largest salamander on record was 1.8 meters (5 feet, 11 inches) long.
The zoo says its worldwide check didn't reveal any longer-living salamander.
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Chinese giant salamander Karlo swims in an aquarium at the zoo in Prague, Czech Republic, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015. Prague Zoo says Karlo is likely to be the biggest living Chinese giant salamander in the world. According to latest measuring done Friday, Karlo is 1.58 meter (5.18 feet). The critically endangered species is the largest amphibian in the world. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) -
Petr Velensky uses a meter to show the size of a Chinese giant salamander Karlo in an aquarium at the zoo in Prague, Czech Republic, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015. Prague Zoo says Karlo is likely to be the biggest living Chinese giant salamander in the world. According to latest measuring done Friday, Karlo is 1.58 meter (5.18 feet) long. The critically endangered species is the largest amphibian in the world. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
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