Northern Spring Salamander vs Red Salamander
How does the Northern Spring Salamander compare to the Red Salamander? They are both members of the Plethodontidae family. Below we put their classification, habitat, diet, size, and conservation status side by side — and settle who would win in a fight.


Side-by-side comparison
- Scientific name
- Gyrinophilus porphyriticus
- Pseudotriton ruber
- Classification
- Amphibian
- Amphibian
- Family
- Plethodontidae
- Plethodontidae
- Habitat
- Cold, clear, rocky streams and springs in forested mountain regions
- Moist forests near streams and springs
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Carnivore
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
- Least Concern
- Lifespan
- 7-10 years
- 10-20 years
- Weight
- 4-10 grams
- 5-12 grams
Northern Spring Salamander vs Red Salamander: who would win?

Northern Spring Salamander
4-10 grams

Red Salamander
5-12 grams
Red Salamander has the edge moderate confidence
Red Salamander is somewhat heavier (5-12 grams vs 4-10 grams), giving it the edge in a head-to-head. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
Similarities
- Both are amphibians.
- Both belong to the Plethodontidae family.
- Both have a carnivore diet.
- Both are listed as Least Concern.
Differences
- Habitat: Cold, clear, rocky streams and springs in forested mountain regions vs Moist forests near streams and springs.
- Weight: 4-10 grams vs 5-12 grams.
Northern Spring Salamander vs Red Salamander: FAQ
Who would win in a fight, a Northern Spring Salamander or a Red Salamander?
Red Salamander has the edge. Red Salamander is somewhat heavier (5-12 grams vs 4-10 grams), giving it the edge in a head-to-head. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
What is the difference between a Northern Spring Salamander and a Red Salamander?
Northern Spring Salamander and Red Salamander differ in several ways — habitat: cold, clear, rocky streams and springs in forested mountain regions vs moist forests near streams and springs. weight: 4-10 grams vs 5-12 grams.
Do Northern Spring Salamander and Red Salamander live in the same habitat?
No — Northern Spring Salamander lives in cold, clear, rocky streams and springs in forested mountain regions, while Red Salamander is found in moist forests near streams and springs.
What do Northern Spring Salamander and Red Salamander eat?
Both Northern Spring Salamander and Red Salamander have a carnivore diet.
Which is more endangered, the Northern Spring Salamander or the Red Salamander?
Northern Spring Salamander is listed as Least Concern, while Red Salamander is listed as Least Concern.
How big are Northern Spring Salamander and Red Salamander?
Northern Spring Salamander weighs around 4-10 grams, while Red Salamander weighs around 5-12 grams.

Full profile
Northern Spring Salamander

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Red Salamander
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