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Salamanders
📋 At a glance
- Tank
- Terrestrial 10–20 gal (1), deep moist substrate
- Temp
- Cool 60–68°F
- Floor
- Deep moist soil/coco fibre to burrow — no gravel
- Food
- Earthworms, crickets, small insects
- Lifespan
- 20+ years
✅ Hardy and remarkably long-lived if kept cool — a decades-long native to admire.
🛒 Before you buy
- A cool spot under ~68°F
- Deep moist burrowing substrate + hides
- A shallow dish of dechlorinated water
- The acceptance that it stays buried most of the time
A healthy one: Glossy black with yellow spots · well-fleshed · clear skin · burrowing normally.
🚨 See a vet / act now if…
- Thin body / weight loss
- Not eating
- Skin lesions or fungus
- Signs of overheating
⛔ Never
- Warm tanks
- Gravel or swallowable substrate
- Frequent handling (absorbs oils/salts)
Common spotted salamander questions
How hard are Spotted Salamanders to keep — are they good for beginners?
Intermediate. A secretive, long-lived native mole salamander — keep it cool and let it burrow.
What do Spotted Salamanders eat?
Earthworms, crickets, small insects
What size tank do Spotted Salamanders need?
Terrestrial 10–20 gal (1), deep moist substrate
What temperature do Spotted Salamanders need?
Cool 60–68°F
What substrate do Spotted Salamanders need?
Deep moist soil/coco fibre to burrow — no gravel
How long do Spotted Salamanders live?
20+ years
What are the signs Spotted Salamanders are sick?
See an exotics vet if you notice: Thin body / 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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Spotted Salamander
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