How to Care for a Tiger Salamander
With their striking snake-like markings, large size and inquisitive nature, tiger salamanders can make rewarding pets. However, they are a long-term commitment. If looked after properly, a tiger salamander can live for 15 years or more. Like other amphibians, they are also not hands-on pets. Handling amphibians excessively is dangerous to them. For these reasons, tiger salamanders are not a suitable pet for most children. However a dedicated hobbyist should enjoy raising and caring for them.
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Things You'll Need
- 20-gallon or larger tank
- Large ceramic dish
- Sphagnum moss, pieces of bark, flat pieces of wood, clay plant pot and logs
- Plant mister
- Live food
- Amphibian calcium and vitamin supplement
- Amphibian safe disinfectant
- Cleaning cloths
Instructions
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1
Prepare a terrarium for your salamander. A deep substrate of coconut husk or other amphibian-safe material, such as chemical-free potting compost, gives the animal the opportunity to burrow. Sphagnum moss, logs and large pieces of bark provide hiding and climbing places. Create a pool with a large, shallow ceramic dish full of dechlorinated water. Textured, sloping sides on the dish provide easy access.
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Introduce the salamander and let it have a couple of days to become accustomed to its new home before feeding.
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3
Feed the salamander live invertebrate food such as crickets and earthworms two to four times a week. Older salamanders eat less often than juveniles. Dust the food with a calcium and vitamin supplement before giving it to your pet every couple of feeds.
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Mist the tank daily or every couple of days to maintain high humidity levels.
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Change the water in the dish and remove any feces or dead food from the tank daily.
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Clean the tank once or twice a month. Transfer the salamander to a box with some moss for moisture. Dispose of the old substrate and disposable accessories. Wipe down the tank with an amphibian-safe disinfectant. Rinse and dry thoroughly before adding fresh substrate and accessories and replacing the salamander.
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Tips & Warnings
Wash your hands and keep them wet on the occasions when you must handle your salamander.
The simplest way to dechlorinate water is to leave it in a bucket for 24 hours. The exposure to air allows the chlorine to dissipate. Alternatively, use a commercial dechlorinator, available from aquarium supply stores.
Identify the species of salamander. It is most likely to be Ambystoma tigrinum, but a couple of similar species are also available in the pet trade and they have different needs. Check the markings and shape of your pet against a guide. Reputable breeders will know whether they are selling Ambystoma tigrinum or a similar salamander. It is not recommended that you buy amphibians online or from a general pet store, but animal rescue centers may also not be certain of the species.
Keep the tank in a room where temperatures do not climb much above 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
