Salamanders are a diverse group of amphibians with a wide range of unique characteristics. They’ve been widely kept as pets for many years and can thrive in captivity when properly cared for. However, navigating the different types of pet salamanders can be challenging without understanding the needs of each species.
To help you decide, we’ve compiled a list of 13 popular pet salamanders, along with essential information to ensure they thrive in captivity.
Types of pet salamanders
1. Axolotl
Scientific name: Ambystoma mexicanum
Axolotls are one of the most fascinating pets to have. These salamanders have gills and can live in water permanently. Their natural habitat is Xochimilco Lake in Mexico City, though they’ve been introduced to parts of Canada and other regions globally.
Axolotls are carnivorous amphibians that eat flies, worms, tadpoles, and shrimp. Axolotls can grow up to 9 inches long and live up to 20 years in captivity. However, their lifespan in the wild is often shorter due to predators and habitat loss.
Unlike many salamanders, axolotls spend their entire lives in water. This makes them ideal for people who want a low-maintenance aquatic pet without the need to transfer them to different habitats during their lifecycle.
2. Tiger salamander
Scientific name: Ambystoma tigrinum
Tiger salamanders are one of the most widely distributed salamander species in North America. They inhabit diverse environments, from rainforests to woodlands near ponds, streams, rivers, and marshes. Their diet consists mainly of insects and smaller amphibians like frogs and slugs.
Tiger salamanders are known for their adaptability and easygoing personality. They can bond with their owners and live up to 25 years in captivity when properly cared for.
This species begins life as aquatic larvae before developing into terrestrial adults. Because they prefer to burrow underground as mole salamanders, providing a suitable habitat with hiding spots and moist soil is essential.
3. Dusky salamander
Scientific name: Desmognathus fuscus
Dusky salamanders are lungless amphibians that breathe through their skin. They are small, with short limbs and thick, flat tails. Found in North America, they thrive in moist environments near flowing streams.
These salamanders are nocturnal hunters, preying on crustaceans, insects, spiders, worms, snails, and millipedes. Their natural lifespan is up to 10 years, but a properly maintained habitat can help them reach their full potential in captivity.
Dusky salamanders need an environment that mimics their natural habitat, including consistent moisture and access to clean, moving water. Understanding their specific lifestyle is key to keeping them healthy.
4. California newt
Scientific name: Taricha torosa
The California newt is a small aquatic salamander found along California’s coast and extending to the Mexican border. These salamanders prefer damp, wooded environments where they use their long tongues to catch worms and insects. Their yellowish or reddish-brown skin contrasts with their pale yellow underside, making them easy to identify.
California newts are relatively simple to care for, requiring a semi-aquatic setup with a 15-gallon aquarium. They can live for more than 20 years in captivity with proper care. However, they produce toxins in their skin as a defense mechanism, so they must be handled with caution.
5. Chinese fire belly newt
Scientific name: Cynops orientalis
Chinese fire belly newts are brightly colored amphibians native to China. They grow up to 4 inches long and inhabit slow-moving bodies of water. Their striking black backs and red or orange bellies serve as a warning of the mild toxins they produce when threatened.
While they are popular pets, fire belly newts are not ideal for households with small children due to their toxicity. They are straightforward to care for, thriving in aquariums that replicate their natural aquatic environment.
6. Eastern newt
Scientific name: Notophthalmus viridescens
Eastern newts, also known as red-spotted newts, are widespread in the eastern United States and Canada. They have a unique lifecycle, beginning as aquatic larvae, transitioning to terrestrial juveniles, and finally returning to an aquatic lifestyle as adults.
These newts feed on leeches, crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish in their environment. In captivity, water quality is crucial, with an ideal temperature range of 60–70°F. Eastern newts can live up to 15 years in captivity when properly cared for.
7. Marbled salamander
Scientific name: Ambystoma opacum
The marbled salamander is native to the eastern United States and is easily recognized by its black body with white or silver bands. Unlike many salamanders, they do not breed in water; instead, they rely on temporary pools formed by rainfall to lay their eggs.
Marbled salamanders are relatively easy to care for, making them ideal for beginners. They require a terrestrial habitat with a substrate layer at least 3–4 inches deep and a temperature range of 65–75°F. Their nocturnal habits mean they are most active at night.
8. Spotted salamander
Scientific name: Ambystoma maculatum
Spotted salamanders are small, terrestrial amphibians with a striking appearance: a black body adorned with bright yellow spots. They spend much of their lives underground, emerging during the spring mating season.
These salamanders feed on a variety of invertebrates, including beetles, worms, and slugs. In captivity, they thrive in terrariums with moist soil and hiding spots. Spotted salamanders can live up to 25 years, making them a long-term commitment for pet owners.
9. Mudpuppy
Scientific name: Necturus maculosus
Mudpuppies are fully aquatic salamanders native to rivers, lakes, and ponds in North America. These large salamanders can grow up to 17 inches long and rely primarily on their external gills for breathing underwater, although they also have lungs.
Mudpuppies require a large tank with a stable temperature between 50–60°F, as they thrive in cooler waters. Their care involves ensuring proper oxygenation and providing hiding spots, as they are nocturnal. These salamanders are fascinating pets due to their size and fully aquatic nature.
10. Alpine newt
Scientific name: Ichthyosaura alpestris
Alpine newts are small salamanders native to Central Europe, commonly found in forests and wetlands. They migrate to water for breeding but otherwise spend much of their time on land.
Alpine newts are omnivorous, feeding on plankton and insect larvae. In captivity, they adapt well to both aquatic and terrestrial setups. They can live up to 20 years, but during hibernation, they require soil and dead leaves to mimic their natural habitat.
11. Japanese fire belly newt
Scientific name: Cynops pyrrhogaster
The Japanese fire belly newt is a brightly colored amphibian native to Japan. Larger than its Chinese counterpart, it grows up to 5 inches long and inhabits slow-moving rivers and ponds.
These newts are beginner-friendly pets as long as their habitat closely replicates their natural environment. They need a semi-aquatic setup with a mix of water and dry areas. They are carnivorous, feeding on invertebrates such as earthworms, bloodworms, and shrimp. Due to their high toxicity, handling must be minimal and done with care.
12. Red-backed salamander
Scientific name: Plethodon cinereus
The red-backed salamander is a lungless amphibian commonly found in North American forests. It is named for the red or orange stripe running down its back, though some individuals lack this stripe and are called lead-backed morphs.
These salamanders thrive in moist environments like leaf litter and under logs. They primarily hunt at night, feeding on small invertebrates such as mites, beetles, and spiders. Red-backed salamanders are easy to care for, requiring a terrarium with high humidity. With proper care, they can live over 10 years in captivity.
13. Slimy salamander
Scientific name: Plethodon glutinosus
Slimy salamanders are named for the sticky secretion they produce as a defense mechanism. Found in the eastern United States, they inhabit wooded areas with ample moisture and are often found under rocks and logs.
These salamanders are nocturnal and primarily feed on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. They grow to 5–7 inches in length and can live for over 15 years with proper care. Due to their sticky secretions, handling should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
General salamander care FAQ
1. Can I handle my salamander?
Handling should be minimized, as salamanders have delicate, porous skin that can absorb oils and bacteria from human hands, potentially causing harm.
2. What do salamanders eat?
Salamanders are carnivorous and typically consume insects, worms, and other small invertebrates. Some larger species may also eat small fish or amphibians.
3. How do I clean my salamander’s enclosure?
For semi-aquatic habitats, change 10–25% of the total volume of water every 2–4 weeks, or as needed; change filter media monthly.
4. Do salamanders need special lighting?
While many salamanders do not require intense lighting, providing low-level UVB light for 10–12 hours a day can help them synthesize vitamin D and absorb calcium.
5. How often should I feed my salamander?
Juvenile salamanders should be fed daily, while adults can be fed every other day or 2-3 times a week, depending on the species and individual needs.
6. How can I maintain proper humidity levels in the enclosure?
Maintain habitat humidity at 70% by misting with dechlorinated water as needed every day.
7. What type of enclosure is suitable for a salamander?
The enclosure should mimic the salamander’s natural habitat, whether aquatic, semi-aquatic, or terrestrial, with appropriate substrate, hiding spots, and humidity levels.
8. What are common health issues in salamanders?
Common health issues include dehydration, skin infections, and metabolic bone disease. Monitoring hydration levels, skin health, and providing a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamins can help prevent these issues.
9. How can I tell if my salamander is sick?
Signs of illness include lethargy, loss of appetite, abnormal skin color or texture, difficulty breathing, and unusual droppings. Consult a veterinarian experienced in amphibian care if you notice any concerning symptoms.
10. Do salamanders need a water source in their enclosure?
Yes, provide a shallow bowl of dechlorinated water in which your pet can soak to stay hydrated and to increase habitat humidity.
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