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Salamanders
Amphiuma
Amphiuma means · also called Congo eel
ExpertFamily Amphiumidae
A large, powerful aquatic salamander with a real bite — strictly for experts.
📋 At a glance
- Tank
- Aquatic 40 gal+ (1), tight lid + hides
- Temp
- Cool-temperate 60–72°F
- Floor
- Sand or bare bottom — no gravel
- Food
- Worms, fish, crustaceans (tong-fed)
- Lifespan
- 15–25+ years
✅ Extremely hardy and long-lived — but respect the bite; this is an expert-level animal.
🛒 Before you buy
- A large, secure aquatic tank with a tight lid + hides (they are strong and escape)
- Sand/bare bottom + strong filtration
- LONG feeding tongs — the bite is serious, never hand-feed
- The experience to handle a large, powerful amphibian
A healthy one: Long, muscular and eel-like · well-fleshed · clear skin · alert and hunting at night.
🚨 See a vet / act now if…
- Not eating / weight loss
- Skin lesions or fungus
- Bloating
- Open wounds (from thrashing)
⛔ Never
- Hand-feeding or careless handling (a powerful, damaging bite)
- Gravel
- An insecure lid
Common amphiuma questions
How hard are Amphiumas to keep — are they good for beginners?
Advanced. A large, powerful aquatic salamander with a serious bite — strictly for experienced keepers.
What do Amphiumas eat?
Worms, fish, crustaceans (tong-fed)
What size tank do Amphiumas need?
Aquatic 40 gal+ (1), tight lid + hides
What temperature do Amphiumas need?
Cool-temperate 60–72°F
What substrate do Amphiumas need?
Sand or bare bottom — no gravel
How long do Amphiumas live?
15–25+ years
What are the signs Amphiumas are sick?
See an exotics vet if you notice: Not eating / weight loss; Skin lesions or fungus; Bloating; Open wounds (from thrashing).
📚 More salamanders guides
🎓 Ready to go deeper?
Past the basics — genetics & morphs, responsible breeding, tankmates, and advanced setups. Same plain voice, no ceiling:
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