Marbled Salamander Care

Ambystoma opacum the basics.

Marbled salamander care. The marbled salamander a member of the mole salamander family ambystomatidae tends to occupy drier more sandy or gravelly habitat than most of pennsylvania s salamander species. The marbled salamander ambystoma opacum is a beautiful relatively large salamander ranging from florida to southern new hampshire uniquely among the 12 salamander species native to new england. Breeding habitat marbled salamanders are one of two species of ambystoma that breed on land petranka 1998 and they are the only ambystoma species that exhibit parental care nussbaum 1985 1987. Use an aquarium or tank to house your salamander.

Banded salamander scientific name. However unlike most salamanders which lay their eggs in the winter or spring marbled salamanders lay their eggs in dried up pools in the fall. Tiger salamanders are the largest of the salamanders on our list of best pet salamanders. This behavior helps prevent eggs from hatching too early after any unseasonal thunderstorms that temporarily flood the deeper areas of the pond.

Their care requirements are also widely known meaning that even large pet stores know at least the basics of caring for these amphibians. They can grow to be as big as 14 inches long. For the length of this program each year under the guidance of the massachusetts natural heritage and endangered species program we safely remove newly hatched marbled salamander larvae from winter cold vernal pools in western massachusetts raise the aquatic larvae through their transformation into air breathing juvenile salamanders and release them near suitable vernal pools in the middlesex fells. Marbled salamander ambystoma opacum.

Salamanders like all amphibians require water for reproduction. One of north america s handsomest amphibians the marbled salamander spends most of its life below ground and is often overlooked by pet keepers however captives soon give up their secretive ways and with proper care have reached age 15. P once deposited the female will remain with them to keep them moist until nests are flooded. These pools that dry up each summer and are refilled each winter are known as vernal pools.

Aquariums tanks are best used for aquatic and semi aquatic salamanders. At higher temperatures a greater frequency of feeding is required to ensure adequate nutrition. This depression is usually a reduced pond or dried bed of a ditch or temporary pond petranka 1998. At an average temperature of 18 c 65 f adult marbled salamanders will do well on a diet of four to six two week old crickets twice a week per salamander personal observation.

Aquariums or reptile tanks are the best way to house your dear sal.