Western New York Herpetological Society
www.wnyherp.org
©
2001 - 2003 by Western New York Herpetological Society
This document is for guidance only and should not be used as the sole source of information. New information is being developed
daily. It is recommend that a concerted effort be made to maintain up-to-date knowledge of the animals of interest.
Common Name:
Tiger Salamander Latin Name: Ambystoma tigrinum
Native to:
Southern Canada to Mexico
Size:
6 – 13 inches snout-tail length
Life span:
If kept properly they can survive 15 – 20 years in captivity
Special Note:
Because the Tiger Salamander can be found in New York, please be sure that you acquire only captive
bred sub-species not found locally. The subspecies most commonly found in pet shops are from Texas and
California.
General Appearance:
The tiger salamander has wide rounded snout with a stocky body and small eyes. The coloration
varies from black to olive green to even yellow. There are usually dark spots or blotches on a lighter
background or yellow spots on a dark body giving it its “tiger” markings. Males generally have a longer tail.
Housing Requirements:
Enclosure:
A 10-gallon or 15-gallon aquarium with a secure wire mesh top is adequate for one to two
salamanders.
Temperature:
Daytime temperatures can range from 65° – 75° F wile nighttime temperatures can drop as
low as 60° F.
Heat/Light:
Tiger salamanders do well at room temperature and rarely need any additional heat sources. UV
light is also not required, but they will do well with photoperiod provided by a regular fluorescent
light.
Substrate:
Substrates which can hold humidity and allow for burrowing are preferred. Bedding such as
potting soil (without vermiculite), ground coconut, ground cypress and sphagnum moss can all be
used.
Environment:
These nocturnal salamanders like moist surroundings with places to hide and burrow. Live
plants can be used to help maintain the enclosures humidity levels. Pieces of drift wood and cork
bark also provide great places for your salamander to hide as well. A large shallow water dish
should also be provided.
Diet:
These salamanders eat anything they can fit in their mouths in the wild. In captivity they can be fed crickets,
earthworms, wax worms and night crawlers. They can also occasionally be offered pinky mice. Catching wild
insects to feed your salamander can be risky as these insects may contain pesticides and be harmful to your
salamander. Because these salamanders can be cannibalistic it is not recommended to house smaller
salamanders with larger salamanders.
Maintenance:
The enclosure should be spot cleaned as needed and thoroughly cleaned and disinfected on a regular
basis. A 5% bleach solution makes an excellent disinfectant. It is extremely important to completely rinse the
enclosure and cage accessories so as to not poison the salamanders. Like all amphibians, salamanders’ skin is
very sensitive to the environment and the oils and salts from your hands could harm your salamander. It is
recommended to handle these animals and little as possible and thoroughly wash your hands before and after
handling the salamander and any cage accessories. Fresh water should be provided daily.
Other references or recommended reading:
Bolyard, Paula. “Tiger Salamander.” Retrieved 6/2/2003. <http://home.neo.rr.com/edzoo/Scales/tiger_salamander.htm>
“Tiger Salamanders.” Retrieved 6/2/2003. <http://exoticpets.about.com/library/weekly/aa100200a.htm>
Edmonds, Devin. “Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum).” Retrieved 6/2/2003.
<http://www.amphibiancare.com/frogs/tigersalamander.html>