Need help;considering buying a Tiger Salamander!

[jason]

Hello. My Pet Store(I recently got a job there 2 months ago) got in some Tiger Salamanders, 3 to be exact. I've been thinking about buying one. I have some questions:

1.Can you EVER touch or hold them? I read that it can be bad for them and stress them out.
2. Can you have a Semi-Aquatic Aqarium? I again read that this is not natural, but wouldn't it keep them from morphing competely, and be normal? I love watching the tiny Salamanders swim around at work!
3. How can you keep the tank cool all the time? My room can get hot sometimes. I heard that there are some special equipment that can do this, but never seen anything.
4. Are they playful? Not necessarily actually play with them, but when I come home will he recognize me and maybe get excited or something? Or do they just burrow and not really acknowledge anything?

Thanks for the help, and feel free to give any other info that might help in my decision.

 

[joseph]

You should never hold the tiger unless deemed absolutely neccessary(moving to another setup)

As adults, Tiger salamanders are terrestrial and prefer to burrow or hide in a shelter. A water dish is useful and some will occasionally soak in it.

The special equipment involved is called a chiller, but they are really expensive and taking simple precautions like putting the tank near the ground, icepacks etc. should work ok unless you are in extreme temperatures.

The tiger will learn to recognize you, but not in the same way as a dog. However, they will become "tame" and come to the front anticipating a meal. Very personable critters.

 

[edward]

Hi Jason,
The less handling the better. Handling can damage the salamander's skin which is why you shouldn't handle them.
Here is a good care sheet that will give you the care information you asked for http://www.caudata.org/cc/species/Ambystoma/A_tigrinum.shtml

How hot does your room get?

Ed

 

[kaysie]

If you want an animal that is more active, more 'puppy type', I suggest axolotls. They're totally aquatic, but still very friendly, very playful. Mine constantly follow me around when I'm near their tank, begging for food.

 

[jennifer]

Jason, check out the setups here:
http://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/setups3.shtml
The setup #11 is the closest thing to "semiaquatic" that I would consider for a tiger sal. Note that the vast majority of the tank is land. If there is a water area like this, it's important that there be plenty of hiding or digging places on the land area. Otherwise the sals may go to the water to "seek shelter". They should have that option on land too.

These FAQ have some tips on keeping them cool:
http://www.caudata.org/cc/faq/faq.shtml