Juvenile Rough-Skinned Newt with External Gills - Close-Up Wildlife Photo #1457802 (License: Personal Use)

This striking image captures a larval or paedomorphic rough-skinned newt (Taricha granulosa), distinguished by its large, branched external gills and dark, glossy skin. The fine mist rising from its body suggests evaporation from its moist integument-a common trait in amphibians kept in cool, humid conditions. The gentle human hand provides scale and conveys careful handling typical of field biologists or educators.

Used in educational wildlife blogs, conservation websites, or amphibian identification guides; matches user intent for learning about salamander development, neoteny, or Pacific Northwest fauna.