How to Tell the Difference Between a Male & Female Tiger Salamander
Earth's largest land-dwelling salamander is the tiger salamander, found throughout much of the United States. They are a common choice for people wishing to have a salamander as a pet. Because salamanders are such a popular breed of amphibian, you may consider breeding salamanders and selling them. To do this, you need to be able to pair male salamanders with female salamanders. While identification can be difficult—as the genders look practically identical—it can be done.
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Instructions
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Plan to make an identification during breeding season. According to San Francisco State University, tiger salamanders begin their breeding season in early winter. During breeding season, physiological changes occur in male and female tiger salamanders that make identification easier.
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Examine the tail length of your tiger salamanders. Male tiger salamanders tend to have tails that are longer than their bodies; females do not.
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Look at the cloaca. The cloaca is the opening between tiger salamanders' hind legs. In males, this opening tends to be larger and has small projections; the cloaca of the female does not enlarge, and it has pleats.
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Check the tiger salamanders' teeth. Male tiger salamanders' teeth become enlarged during breeding season; females' teeth do not.
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