How long will he stay in the water?

[Gail]

I have a tiger sal larvae that is morphing, he has lost all his gills, his tail is rounded and except for his head shape, he look like a fully terrestrial tiger. My question is how long will he stay in the water? I though he would come out as soon as his gills were gone. Should I put him in his land cage in a big bowl of water or just leave him alone in the water cage?
I really need to get the water level back up in the water cage for the other larvae I have, as he is showing no signs of morphing anytime soon.

 

[Melmo]

If there is a land area in the enclosure, it should climb out.

 

[Gail]

I know that much, i was just wondering how long until he might climb out. I don't know how he is still breathing underwater since his gills have been gone for 3 days or so.
Anyone have a opinion on putting him in a water bowl in the land cage?

 

[vistajpdf]

I don't much about these animals, but I would consider moving him to another container that has very shallow water with a land area that is easy to climb onto. I don't think I'd force him onto land exclusively as he may not be ready. Is he coming to the surface to take in air?

Dana

 

[Coastal Groovin]

If his gills are completely gone just put him in a different container with a shallow water dish and some large bark peices to hide under. Keep soil moist but not wet. He'll be fine

 

[Gail]

I went ahead and put him in his terrestrial cage with a large shallow water bowl and after a couple hours, he came out and is now exploring his new world
Thanks for all the advice, I'll try to get pics tomorow of my baby.

 

[vistajpdf]

Great! Glad to hear all is well - keep us posted.

Dana