More Exotic than Fish But Not as Scary as Snakes: Salamanders and Newts as Pets

Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Digital Library/Gary M. Stoltz

People who find snakes, lizards and other reptiles too icky to keep as pets may find slimy-skinned, water-partial amphibians, like salamanders, less offensive. Sure, salamanders are a little slippery and lizard-like, but they’re pretty laid-back. They come in all sorts of colors, sizes and varieties. Salamanders are fun to watch, and there’s little chance that one will bolt from its plant and mulch-filled abode. Aside from regular feedings and terrarium cleaning, upkeep is minimal. Let’s look at tiger salamanders and fire-bellied newts, two of the most popular amphibian pets.

Tiger Salamanders

Tiger salamanders have black or dark brown skin, usually with yellow stripes or blotches, but the coloring may vary. They can grow up to 14 inches, though 6-8 inches is common. Keep them in a 10-gallon glass tank, separating land and water areas with a divider. Use substrata of eco earth or small bark pieces in their terrarium or aqua-terrarium. Tigers love to burrow, so give them plenty of places to hide. Decorate it with hollowed-out logs, driftwood or cork tube. It’s best to keep one to a terrarium since these amphibians are so big. Don’t place them in the same space as newts or smaller salamanders. Tiger salamanders eat pinkie mice, waxworms, mealworms, snails and insects, most notably crickets. Feed them every two or three nights using tweezers to place insects near their mouths; release tweezers when they grab the food. Tiger salamanders like to eat and will sometimes beg for extra servings. Resist the temptation to spoil them; it’s not good for the animal. You can learn more about caring for tiger salamanders at About.com Exotic Pets.


Fire Newts

Newts are tiny version of salamanders, ranging in size from 2 to 6 inches depending on the species. Newts are black with bright orange or red bellies, and males tend to be larger than females. Chinese fire newts have black specks on their bellies. Fire-bellied newts are nocturnal creatures that live partially underwater. Called fire newts for short, aquatic types eat brine shrimp and chopped nightcrawlers, though some will eat reptile food pellets or sticks from the pet store. Terrestrial newts can eat crickets or tubifex worms. Newts have light appetites, so feed them every other night or every third night. Dust crickets and other insects with vitamin supplements once or twice a week before mealtime. Check for leftover crickets; they may bite unsuspecting newts.  Unlike salamanders, a 10-gallon glass terrarium/aquarium can provide comfortable accommodations for up to four newts. Use mulch and sphagnum moss for land. Avoid gravel, as it’s too rough for newt skin. You can find out more about fire newts here.

 General Rules for Keeping Salamanders as Pets

Wear latex gloves when handling a newt or salamander. Oil from your hands can harm the salamander and residue from their skin can cause you to develop salmonella. Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling any amphibian pet.

Clean the entire tank once a week, with daily spot cleanings as necessary. Temporarily place the salamander in a secure container with a small amount of water. Scrub the terrarium with a small sponge or cloth and hot water. If necessary, use an eco-friendly cleaner like Seventh Generation and rinse thoroughly, eliminating any smells that might disturb the salamander. Experts recommend drying just-cleaned tanks outdoors in sunlight.

Take your salamander to the vet if you notice weight loss, bloating or skin lesions. The most common salamander malady, gas bubble disease, is caused by a tank that’s too aerated (too much air). Gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide seep in through tank or pump leaks. This causes bubbles to form in the salamander’s bloodstream. The bubbles may cause the abdomen to swell and may be visible underneath the skin. Take your salamander to the vet if you suspect gas bubble disease. Seal leaks in tanks and hoses to prevent this problem.

Purchase salamanders from a reputable dealer. Check out Reptile Channel or Caudata.org, the largest newt and salamander portal on the net.  Petco and other pet stores also sell salamanders and newts.

Copyright 2011 Jade Blackmore
This article first appeared on Yeepet.com

Weird Pets -The Axolotl

We’ve all seen pictures of pet dogs and cats that are so unusual looking they make us laugh or squirm, but what about fish and amphibians? In the slippery world of salamanders, the axolotl or Ambystoma mexicanum, wins the quirky-looks category hands down. Originally descending from Xochimilco and the defunct Chalco, two lakes south of Mexico City, the axolotl brings in the highest number of oohs and aaahs - and maybe some yucks - of all the salamanders available to pet owners.

Unlike other salamanders, Axolotls are neotenic. That is, they remain in their larval form (complete with fins) permanently. For this reason, most axies have a babyish, quizzical appearance. Maybe it’s their lidless eyes or the pale pink, almost see-through skin of most axololtols that makes them look perpetually young. They develop gills and remain in the water all their lives. Occasionally, an axolotl undergoes metamorphosis,  but this is painful for the animal. Axolotls can regenerate their limbs, eyes, even their kidneys. It’s no wonder scientists study these creatures to find out more about their healing and regenerative abilities.

A mature, two- year axolotl ranges from six to eighteen inches in length. Axolotls have several naturally occurring colors. They may be brown with spots, black, pink, gold or tan. Their eyes are pink or black. Some captive breeders produce multicolored or neon, glow-in the-dark variations.

Caring for an Axolotl

Axolotls should be raised in a 15-20 gallon aquarium, filled with enough water to fully cover the axie. Never use tap water as chlorine may harm axolotl. Use bottled water at a temperature between 64 and 72 degrees, adding Holtfreter's salt solution  to prevent infection. Change 20% of the tank water every two weeks. You may need to adjust this, depending on your axolotl's habits and health. Use only sand as substrate; the axolotl may eat stones or gravel lining the botttom of the tank. This may cause death. Axies eat bloodworms, earthworms, shrimp, red meat and tiny fish. They’ll also chow down on tiny insects and store-bought food pellets like Reptomin. Be careful when feeding axies miniature live fish.  Avoid leaving any in the tank. They may nibble at the axolotl's gills. With proper care, axolotls can live up to 15 years. Hand-feed these creatures, as they have poor eyesight and can only see an inch in front of them.


Endangered in Nature, Bred in Captivity

The axolotl is listed as “critically endangered:” in its natural habitat by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, many amphibian experts breed axolotls and interested parties can contact a private breeder about purchasing one. Small pet stores occasionally sell axolotls, but you can never be sure of what you’re getting unless you can talk directly with a breeder.

Some states ban axolotls as pets. For example, it is illegal to ship them to California and New Jersey. Check with your state’s Fish and Game Department for the laws in your area.

Article Copyright 2011 Jade Blackmore



This article originally appeared on Yeepet.com