Question: Is my salamander an Ambystoma Tigrinum?

[anonymoose]

A few weeks ago I came across an interesting little creature at the pet store who was submerged under water, but still had feet. Completely amazed by this, I felt the need to purchase one of my own. The pet store, of course, had no information about the little guy present, and they were housing him with fish, in GRAVEL. After seeing this, I figured that he was going to permanently be an aquatic animal so there was no stopping my purchase.

Before I introduced him to an aquarium, I obviously did a lot of research on the care of this thing that I just bought. At first I was under the impression that I was buying an Axolotl. To make this story short, I was just poking around to see if anyone could positively identify my salamander. I think it's an Eastern Tiger Salamander, but I am unsure because his adult color doesn't seem to be in all the way. I've included a few pictures of him throughout his time with me. (I need to stop referring to it as he, considering it isn't sexed yet! Oops.)

First attachment: at the pet store.
Second attachment: few weeks after being home
Third attachment: almost finished with metamorphosis

This my first post, please be easy on me! Thank you.
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[Sith the turtle]

It is a tiger salamander, but finding out weather or not they're one of the many sub-species of tiger salamanders is difficult. You most likely have a Barred tiger salamander larva, as they are the most common ones to be offered for sale in pet-stores. Here's a few care-sheets: Caudata Culture Species Entry - Tiger salamander Caudata Culture Articles - Tiger Salamander 101

 

[Donna001]

Wow, the difference between the first and second pictures is amazing. You were obviously feeding him well when you got him home.
The metamorphosis progress is fascinating. One of the other keepers on this site has a salamander called Jabba and posted almost daily updates on progress and I couldn't believe how quickly it happened.
I keep axolotls rather than salamanders, but I love looking at other peoples posts and seeing how the different types of newts and salamanders progress. :happy:

 

[anonymoose]

Wow, the difference between the first and second pictures is amazing. You were obviously feeding him well when you got him home.
The metamorphosis progress is fascinating. One of the other keepers on this site has a salamander called Jabba and posted almost daily updates on progress and I couldn't believe how quickly it happened.
I keep axolotls rather than salamanders, but I love looking at other peoples posts and seeing how the different types of newts and salamanders progress. :happy:

I have a lot of pictures that I've gathered over the past two months since I got him lol. It's a completely remarkable experience being able to watch their whole body change. Metamorphosis was completed within literally a week!
I've also got a pair of Axolotl babies. ​

 

[Donna001]

Please post some pictures of your axolotls too. :happy: