Data sheet tiger salamander
Latin name:
Ambystoma tigrine
Origin:
North America
Size (in cm:
20 to over 30 cm
behavior/stocking
Lining:
insects, maggots and earthworms
Behave:
predominantly nocturnal, very voracious
Life expectancy:
in captivity 25 years
Groups vs. individual housing:
in small groups of 3 or more animals
Difficulty level:
suitable for beginners evangrimes, Ambystoma tigrinum 65538455, CC BY 4.0
Introduction
A tiger salamander can be a size of over 30cm to reach. This makes it the largest salamander living on land. It is also one of the most popular amphibians kept in terrariums.
This is because the tiger salamander is a hardy yet beautiful animal. The yellow pattern, broad head and small eyes are characteristic of him. With a little patience, he quickly gets used to people and becomes trusting.
acquisition and maintenance
If you are interested in buying the amphibians, offspring can be purchased in the terrarium department in specialist shops. Breeders also offer their animals online or at special trade fairs. Since the tiger salamander is a popular species, there is often no problem in acquiring it.
Before purchasing a group of tiger salamanders, you should consider where you can set up the terrarium. Since the animals are sensitive to excessive temperatures, a place without direct sunlight is important.
Also, tiger salamanders need a hibernation hold. For 2 to 3 months they need temperatures that are constantly between 4 and 6 °C. It is best to put the animals in a separate box and place them in a refrigerator.
requirements for the terrarium
For a group of three animals is a terrarium with one Minimum size of 100x40x40 cm sufficient. It should be on all sides absolutely escape proof because tiger salamanders can run up glass panes without any problems.
The soil substrate should be loose and filled in at least 10 cm high, as the amphibians like to bury themselves. Also, they need a lot of moisture. Pieces of bark and leaves help retain moisture in the soil. Areas covered with moss are also ideal. In addition, a shallow bowl with water should not be missing, as some specimens like to take a bath.
hiding places, like caves, are very well accepted. The animals can often be seen sticking their heads out to survey the area.
Tiger salamanders do not need special lighting. It is important to ensure that the temperatures are always within the range between 15 and 20 °C lay. Even in summer, temperatures should rarely exceed 20 °C.
gender differences
The differentiation of the sexes is somewhat difficult in the tiger salamander and often only recognizable in direct comparison.
In sexually mature animals one can see that the male cloaca thicker is than that of the female. In addition, the physique of the male is slimmer. The middle of the female’s body, on the other hand, appears roundish.
feed and nutrition
Tiger salamanders are very greedy. So that the animals do not become overweight, they should only be fed two to three times a week. The use of feeding tweezers has proven itself because it allows each animal to be fed in a controlled manner. In addition, the salamanders get used to people more quickly and literally wait for the owner to give them food.
Tiger salamanders are pure carnivore. Basically, they eat everything that fits in their mouths. This includes small mammals such as mice.
In the terrarium amphibians usually get insects or earthworms, which are sold commercially as feed animals. Mealworms should only be offered in moderation because they contain a lot of protein and can quickly make you fat.
acclimatization and handling
After purchase, the animals should be placed in the terrarium as soon as possible and left alone. They will probably first look for a hiding place and will not be seen again for some time. The transport and the new environment mean stress. The newcomers have to recover from this first.
After a short time, the tiger salamanders become bolder and explore their surroundings. Nevertheless, they stay observation animalsthat don’t like to be picked up. When they are said to be «trustworthy», what is meant is that they come out of hiding when the owner opens the terrarium for feeding.
Amphibians should generally only be touched when necessary. They give off a poison through the skin Protective coat against bacteria and fungi serves. This protective coat is very sensitive.
For this reason, hands should be washed thoroughly before touching them or, ideally, gloves should be worn. In addition, the poison can cause irritation if it gets into the eyes or mucous membranes of humans.