It can take from 4 to 8 weeks for the eggs of northwestern salamander to hatch, develop into larvae, and exit the gelatinous egg cell. As the salamanders develop, a symbiotic relationship forms. Algae starts to grow inside the gelatinous fluid surrounding the developing embryo. The algae uses the carbon dioxide and nitrogenous waste from the developing embryo for photosynthesis and cell growth. In exchange, the embryo gets the vital oxygen it needs and a balanced embryonic environment from the removal/recycling of its waste. Amazing!
