Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) Care Sheet

Quick Facts

Attribute	Details
Common Name	Tiger Salamander
Scientific Name	Ambystoma tigrinum
Origin	North America
Adult Size	15–30 cm
Lifespan	10–15 years in captivity
Activity	Nocturnal, terrestrial / semi-aquatic

Behavior

• Nocturnal and secretive; active mainly at night.

• Terrestrial species but requires access to shallow water for soaking.

• Generally docile; can be handled minimally but skin is sensitive.

• Best observed rather than handled frequently.

Enclosure Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 80 liters for a single adult; larger for multiple salamanders

• Substrate: Moist soil, coconut fiber, or moss; keeps skin hydrated

• Decor: Hides, rocks, logs, shallow water dish for soaking

• Humidity: 60–80%

• Temperature:

  • Day: 18–22°C

  • Night: 15–18°C

• Lighting: Low light; low % UVB beneficial

• Ventilation: Moderate airflow

Compatibility

• Can be housed with conspecifics if the enclosure is large enough.

• Avoid housing with fish or aggressive species that may injure the salamander.

Diet

• Carnivorous; feeds on live or frozen-thawed prey:

  • Earthworms, crickets, small insects, and occasionally small feeder fish

• Feed juveniles daily; adults 3–4× per week

• Remove uneaten food to prevent contamination

• Provide shallow water for hydration

Care Tips

• Maintain moist substrate and high humidity to prevent skin drying.

• Spot-clean enclosure regularly; remove waste and uneaten food.

• Avoid overhandling; salamanders have delicate, permeable skin.

• Monitor for signs of illness such as lethargy, skin lesions, or refusal to eat.

Breeding

• Oviparous; females lay eggs in water.

• Larvae are aquatic and require shallow water with hiding spots.

• Juveniles metamorphose after several weeks to months, depending on temperature and water quality.

Visual Quick Guide

• 🏠 Enclosure: ≥80 L, moist substrate, hides, shallow water dish

• 🌡️ Temp: Day 18–22°C / Night 15–18°C

• 💧 Humidity: 60–80%

• 🍴 Diet: Carnivorous (worms, insects, small feeder prey)

• 🕒 Activity: Nocturnal, terrestrial/semi-aquatic

• ⚠️ Stress: Maintain humidity, provide hides, avoid excessive handling

Please note: We don't ship live animals. You can order online and choose click and collect, and we will hold it for you.