How to Feed & Care for Mud Puppy Salamanders

Mudpuppies are among the largest of all aquatic salamanders and are usually found dwelling on lake bottoms or in large streams. They are usually nocturnal and prefer to remain hidden, using rocks, vegetation and other types of debris for cover. They're extremely slimy, with stubby tails, flat heads, beady eyes and tiny legs, so most people might shy away from choosing a mudpuppy as a pet. If, however, you find these characteristics appealing, there are several things you need to know in order to provide the proper care for your mudpuppy.

Things You'll Need

• Long 20-gallon aquarium with filter
• Gravel
• Large, flat stones
• Earthworms, minnows, crayfish

Instructions

Proper Care of Mudpuppies

1. Set the mudpuppy up in a 20-gallon aquarium. If you have a larger mudpuppy, an even larger aquarium may be necessary. Also, if you plan to keep two or more mudpuppies together, a very large aquarium is necessary as mudpuppies are territorial and can act aggressively towards one another. A better course of action is to keep them in separate aquariums.

2. Place gravel on the bottom of the aquarium, which will better simulate the natural habitat of the mudpuppy. Mudpuppies prefer darkness, and require a hiding place during the day. You can use flat, large stones to form makeshift caves for them. It's ideal to have at least two such places in the aquarium.

3. Monitor the water regularly for high levels of chlorine and ammonia as mudpuppies do not tolerate chemicals well. They do prefer cool water, so try to maintain a water temperature between 41 to 68 degrees. Water temperatures of 77 degrees or more can prove fatal to mudpuppies. Use a filter to give the water a current that mimics the salamander's natural environment.

4. Feed your mudpuppy at least two to three times a week. Large earthworms are an excellent food source, as are minnows and crayfish. If you're feeding your mudpuppy large crayfish, it's recommended that you first remove the crayfish pincers.

Tips & Warnings

• Some people choose to freeze the worms or minnows for two weeks prior to feeding. This eliminates the risk of transmitting parasites.

• Clean the tank frequently and avoid handling the mudpuppy. Its skin is easily damaged.

• Keep a lid on your tank, preferably one with a screen. Mudpuppies are capable of crawling out of their aquariums, but will not survive long outside of the water.

References

• Caudata.org: Necturus Maculosus (Mudpuppy)
• Aqualandpetsplus.com: How to Keep Your New Mudpuppy