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Salamanders
📋 At a glance
- Tank
- Terrestrial 10 gal (1), moist substrate
- Temp
- Cool 60–70°F
- Floor
- Moist soil/coco fibre + hides — no gravel
- Food
- Earthworms, crickets, small insects
- Lifespan
- 8–10+ years
✅ One of the hardier, more surface-active mole salamanders — a great first Ambystoma.
🛒 Before you buy
- A cool spot under ~70°F
- Moist substrate + cork-bark hides
- A shallow dish of dechlorinated water
- Appropriately small feeders
A healthy one: Stocky, black with silvery bands · well-fleshed · clear skin · alert.
🚨 See a vet / act now if…
- Thin / weight loss
- Not eating
- Skin lesions or fungus
- Signs of overheating
⛔ Never
- Warm tanks
- Gravel substrate
- Frequent handling
Common marbled salamander questions
How hard are Marbled Salamanders to keep — are they good for beginners?
Intermediate. A stocky, banded little mole salamander — a hardy, forgiving terrestrial species.
What do Marbled Salamanders eat?
Earthworms, crickets, small insects
What size tank do Marbled Salamanders need?
Terrestrial 10 gal (1), moist substrate
What temperature do Marbled Salamanders need?
Cool 60–70°F
What substrate do Marbled Salamanders need?
Moist soil/coco fibre + hides — no gravel
How long do Marbled Salamanders live?
8–10+ years
What are the signs Marbled Salamanders are sick?
See an exotics vet if you notice: Thin / weight loss; Not eating; Skin lesions or fungus; Signs of overheating.
📚 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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Marbled Salamander
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