[2][3] It is native to Washington and Oregon in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.

It exhibits neoteny rarely undergoing metamorphosis to the adult form, and resembles the larvae of similar salamander species.

It has a rounded snout and the laterally compressed, fin-like tail of a typical larva.

[5] It feeds on smaller animals, such as fish, amphibians and their eggs,[5] including the larvae of its own species.

Threats include water temperature change and silt from nearby logging operations.