The Spanish ribbed newt (Pleurodeles waltl ) is not strictly an aquatic salamander species. It can walk on land but spends most of its life in the water. The newt goes by several names, including the Iberian ribbed newt, gallipado, and sharp-ribbed newt. As a defense mechanism, this fascinating creature’s ribs puncture through its skin through a set of tubercles running down the sides of its body.
The Spanish ribbed newt can be found throughout the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco. It can grow up to 12 inches.
