Newt/salamander ID please?

[Axolot]

I recently bought this fine young sir from a local pet store, the owner said he didn't know what it was. I also don't know what it is.
Here is a picture of before and after metamorphasis:

 

[sliggynewt]

That's a Tiger Salamander.it must have a Terrestrial Setup.

 

[Axolot]

Agh, I'm really sorry about posting in the wrong forum, :c I've got dial up, so it's quite hard to navigate this website.

 

[Axolot]

I'm not trying to be rude, but what leads you to believe that's what it is?

 

[Jennewt]

I moved the thread out of the frog area of the forum. I agree, it looks like a tiger salamander.

 

[Azhael]

Definitely an Ambystoma, and most likely A.tigrinum/mavortium.
The colors are mental, though....it looks like it is a pied or calico or whatever.

 

[Kaysie]

That's a super-spiffy looking tiger! He does need to be in a terrestrial setup though, or it runs a high risk of drowning. Morphed ambystomatids are not known for their swimming abilities.

 

[caudatadude28]

That is a gorgeous tiger! How big did he morph out at? Keep us updated with pictures please. I want to see how he/she looks with age!

 

[Axolot]

There's a lot of land area in the tank, with many access points, the only reason I'm wondering if it is a tiger is because he's choosing not to come out of the water. He'll go barely onto one of the ramps, just so his head is out of water, and sit for a little bit, then go back to the water and hang out underwater for hours. He's about 4 inches.

 

[caudatadude28]

Some tigers take longer than others to morph, as with most species. Does he feed in the water? As long as he is feeding and swimming with ease, I wouldn't worry.

~AJ

 

[Axolot]

He swims and eats easily underwater. Should I start really lowering the water? or very slowly, like I have been?

 

[Jennewt]

Lower it slowly, and be sure to provide lots of hiding places on the land. If the only "shelter" is underwater, this will cause them to stay aquatic, but only because they need to feel secure and hidden.

 

[caudatadude28]

How is this tiger doing?