refers to a caudate that does not normally metamorphose. In other words, it looks like a tadpole its whole life, even when it is sexually mature. Some salamanders have both neotenic and 'normal' forms. Neotenics can often be forced to morph by simulating drought conditions and/or adding iodine to the water to stimulate production of thyroxine. Neotenics are generally much larger than terrestrial salamanders; a neotenic Ambystoma tigrinum can be 30 inches long, while the terrestrial form rarely exceeds 10 inches. See also "paedogenesis."

retaining larval characteristics, similar to paedomorphic

Reaching sexual maturity while still in larval form

A condition in which reproductively mature animals retain larvae characteristics. For example mature salamanders which retain external gills are said to be neotenic.

retaining larval characteristics after reaching sexual maturity. The rate of growth of somatic (nonreproductive) parts of the body is slowed whereas development of reproductive organs proceeds normally.