Salamander Questions, Answered (Beginner FAQ)

By The Bognook Team · written & researched by amphibian keepers🔍 Keeper-reviewed for accuracy

Salamanders are cool-loving little “dragons” — but they’re widely misunderstood, and their needs vary a lot by species. Here’s the friendly orientation.

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What they are

Is a salamander a lizard or an amphibian?

An amphibian — not a reptile. Smooth, moist, scaleless skin, no claws, and a need for cool, damp conditions. Despite the lizard-like shape, they’re closer to frogs.

Which salamanders are good for beginners?

The tiger salamander is a hardy favourite. But care varies enormously — identify your exact species and whether it’s terrestrial or aquatic before you set anything up.

“Is this normal?”

Why is my salamander always hiding?

Most are nocturnal and fossorial — they burrow and hide by day and emerge at night. A salamander that hides all day and eats after dark is completely normal, not sick or unhappy.

Is my salamander sick?

Watch for a thin tail (their fat store), weight loss, not eating, skin lesions or fungus, or signs of overheating. Cool them, correct husbandry, and see an exotics vet if it persists.

Keeping one

Can I keep a wild salamander I found?

Usually it’s best — and often legally required — to let it go. They’re highly sensitive to the oils/chemicals on our skin, can spread disease, and many are protected. For a pet, buy captive-bred.

Terrestrial or aquatic — what setup does mine need?

It depends entirely on the species. Some need moist substrate and hides on land; others need water. Identify your species and match it — guessing can be fatal.

What temperature, and what do they eat?

Cool: 60–68°F (heat-sensitive, no heater). Diet: earthworms are an excellent staple, plus species-appropriate insects or aquatic prey.

How long do salamanders live?

Often 10–20+ years with proper cool, damp care.

💚 “It’s finally salamander season” is a real joy — but a pet salamander is a species-specific commitment. Not sure what you’ve got? Identifying it first is the kindest thing you can do, and people are glad to help.

Go deeper: the Salamander care sheet · all salamander guides.

Common questions

Is a salamander a lizard or an amphibian?

A salamander is an amphibian, not a reptile. Unlike lizards, salamanders have smooth, moist, scaleless skin, no claws, and they need cool, damp conditions. They are often confused with lizards because of their body shape, but they are more closely related to frogs.

Which salamanders are good for beginners?

The tiger salamander is a popular hardy beginner species. Care varies a lot across salamanders, though, so identify your exact species first and confirm whether it is terrestrial or aquatic before setting up.

Why is my salamander always hiding underground?

Most salamanders are nocturnal and fossorial, meaning they naturally burrow and hide during the day and come out at night. A salamander that hides all day and eats at night is behaving completely normally, not being antisocial or sick.

Can I keep a wild salamander I found?

Usually it is best, and often legally protected, to leave wild salamanders where you found them. They are sensitive to the oils and chemicals on our skin, can carry or catch disease, and many species are legally protected. For a pet, buy a captive-bred salamander.

Does my salamander need a terrestrial or aquatic setup?

It depends entirely on the species: some salamanders are terrestrial and need moist substrate and hides, while others are aquatic or semi-aquatic and need water. Identify your species and match the setup, since guessing can be fatal.

What temperature do salamanders need?

Salamanders are cool-loving and do best around 60 to 68F. They are very sensitive to heat, so no heater, and cooling may be needed in summer.

What do salamanders eat?

Salamanders are carnivores that eat earthworms, and appropriately sized insects or aquatic prey depending on the species. Earthworms are an excellent staple for many.

How long do salamanders live?

Many salamanders live 10 to 20 years or more in captivity with proper cool, damp care.