How to tell the difference?

[Sarramy]

I was sold a wild type axolotl that apparently isn't an axolotl after all but instead is a tiger salamander larvae. Sure looked like an axolotl to me. How do I avoid this in the future? I've been googling pictures of both and they sure look the same to me. Is there a side by side pic somewhere I can see? Is there some trick to knowing the difference? Now I'm stuck with a pet I'd become attached to but have to find a new home for (I'm not equipped to make a terrarium for it) and I'd rather not go through that again.

 

[auntiejude]

If you google some images you'll see the obvious differences, but the head shape and the pattern/colour are the most obvious.

I would always recommend going to a reputable breeder rather than a pet store. I would go back to the pet store and make a complaint, demand your money back or get them to give you a free viv for your salamander (well it's worth a try!)

 

[Blackbun]

Dear sarramy, I fully understand your issue. I keep a whole range of Salamandra subspecies many of which might superficially look similar. To protect the quality (I'm talking about health and genetic description as well as many years of my husbandry) and integrity of my stock, the last thing I want are animals which aren't what they are!

My advice: only acquire your stock from people with a track record and reputation who know what they're doing.

 

[Sarramy]

Thanks. I have been googling images and I can't tell a difference. I was hoping someone here might have a list or a tutorial, something, that could help. I'm really attached to this little brat and I'm so sad I have to find him another home. I definitely don't want to go through this again.

As for finding a reputable breeder, there are none in this town. This pet shop is supposedly the most knowledgeable around here too (it wasn't one of the chains, it's a small locally owned shop). If shipping weren't so (understandably) expensive I'd try to get one from a breeder online.

 

[sully]

If they were told it was a wild type axo they probably thought it was. Basically the best way to avoid it is to get any other type of morph other than wild or go to a reputable breeder

This is a tiger salamander larvae although They're hard to tell apart they seem to develop a tiger stripe looking pattern as they get bigger

As where axolotls range from green to brownish black and stay that way:

I hope this helps a little...

 

[Sarramy]

So tiger salamanders only come in that one color? That would be convenient. I'll definitely go for a different color next time. And I may have to just bite the bullet and spring for shipping and get one from a breeder. There is no one local unfortunately.