Grandisonia larvata
Africa·Not specified·Not specified·Seychelles (Mahé, Praslin, La Digue, and Silhouette islands)
Grandisonia larvata, also known as the Indian Ocean caecilian, is a species of amphibian belonging to the Indotyphlidae family. It is exclusively found on the Seychelles islands of Mahé, Praslin, La Digue, and Silhouette.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to the Seychelles islands.
- ›Belongs to the caecilian order of amphibians.
- ›Classified within the family Indotyphlidae.
- ›Found on Mahé, Praslin, La Digue, and Silhouette islands.

Terrestrial Environments On Islands
Indian Ocean Caecilian
About Grandisonia larvata
Grandisonia larvata, commonly referred to as the Indian Ocean caecilian, is a species of amphibian native to the Seychelles islands. It belongs to the Indotyphlidae family of caecilians.
Geographic Distribution
This species is endemic to the Seychelles archipelago, with documented populations found on the islands of Mahé, Praslin, La Digue, and Silhouette. Its distribution is therefore restricted to this specific island chain in the Indian Ocean.
Taxonomy and Classification
Grandisonia larvata is classified within the order Gymnophiona, commonly known as caecilians, which are limbless, burrowing amphibians. It is a member of the family Indotyphlidae, a group that includes several species of caecilians found in specific geographic areas.
Physical Characteristics
As a caecilian, Grandisonia larvata exhibits the characteristic limbless, elongated, and serpentine body form typical of its order. However, detailed descriptions of its skin texture, coloration, or other specific physical attributes are not provided in the available information.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Indian Ocean caecilian?
The Indian Ocean caecilian, scientifically known as Grandisonia larvata, is a species of caecilian amphibian. It is characterized by its limbless, serpentine body and is part of the Indotyphlidae family.
Where is Grandisonia larvata found?
Grandisonia larvata is endemic to the Seychelles archipelago. It inhabits the islands of Mahé, Praslin, La Digue, and Silhouette.
What family does the Indian Ocean caecilian belong to?
The Indian Ocean caecilian, Grandisonia larvata, belongs to the family Indotyphlidae. This family comprises several species of caecilians found in specific regions.
Related Caecilian species
Boulengerula fischeri
Boulengerula fischeri, also known as Fischer's African caecilian, is a species of caecilian native to Rwanda. This slender, pink, spaghetti-like amphibian is found in montane forests and adjacent farmlands. Its specific name honors German botanist Eberhard Fischer.

Dermophiidae
The Dermophiidae are a family of neotropical caecilians native to Central and South America, and Africa. These amphibians superficially resemble worms or snakes and are distinguished by being the only viviparous caecilians to possess secondary annuli, which are rings around their bodies.
Geotrypetes seraphini
Geotrypetes seraphini, commonly known as the Gaboon caecilian, is a species of amphibian native to West and Central Africa. This burrowing amphibian inhabits moist lowland forests, plantations, and even urban and agricultural areas within its range. It is distinguished by its elongated, limbless body and smooth, moist skin, typical of caecilians.