Do i have a axolotl??

[MCG89]

I can't tell, i forgot what the guy said they were.

 

[t_summ]

It looks like what you have is a neotenic tiger salamander. Perhaps someone with more expertise in these types of sal's can give you the proper taxonomic classification.

Who did you get it from? That person should have known that this is not an axolotl.

 

[John]

Looks like a tiger salamander larva.

 

[MCG89]

its no larva. he's about 6 - 7 inches long. he's a nice little guy. i dont know how to pronounce axolotl, but he said something very close to that i think. i can't remember though... UGH.

 

[Saspotato]

Perhaps in future before you commit to looking after a living creature, you should find out what it is first. Don't mean to sound harsh but it is frustrating hearing that you have bought something and have no idea what it is. So I am guessing you have not done research in how to look after your tiger (seems to be the consensus so far for what it is) as well? If so, I suggest you check out how to care for a tiger as soon as you can.

 

[MCG89]

im taking it to a pet place that's really good here in town and having them checking it out. yea i know, i want to kick myself for not knowing.. but we will see. im going to research more

 

[John]

Tiger larvae and paedomorphic tigers can be over 12 inches so size doesn't matter.

 

[John]

I don't know what the pet store will tell you but the fact is it's a tiger. We're pretty good at this, for what it's worth.

 

[MCG89]

oh snap, wow

 

[blueberlin]

Hi Mcg,

The term "larva" does not refer to the animal's size, but to its stage of development. A tiger salamander larva will have gills - like a frog tadpole breathes underwater and has a tail. The gills will eventually shrink and then disappear, and the salamander will be a land animal, relying on its lungs for air. At that point, you need a terrarium, not an aquarium, or he will drown.

I have no experience with either tiger salamanders or terraria, but you can definitley find out more at www.caudata.org. For example, I don't know if the tiger should have feathers on his gills like an axolotl? In your picture it looks like your new pet has none, so that he might have already begun changing. (I repeat, I have no experience with them so you will need to find out more by reading up and asking in the Newt/Salamander section). Also, I think he looks a wee bit slim. But he is definitely a beautiful creature. Keep learning about him and how to take care of him, and I am sure you will both enjoy each other's company for a long time.

-Eva

 

[MCG89]

yea im doing research right now and all, thanks guys. any other info is greatly appreciated

 

[blueberlin]

Good for you on researching. It's the right thing to do, and this forum is the right place to do it!

You might want to move over to the "Newts and Salamander" section of the "Beginner/Newbie" section for future questions, though.

Good luck to you and your tiger. (What a great name, and much easier to pronounce than axolotl!)

-Eva

 

[Terri9967]

MCG

In Pennsylvania, I know they also call the Tiger salamander a water dog. My local pet store here sells them all the time. After they morph they are land creatures and not water. If you are doing your research I am sure you will learn this.

Terri