Slimey Salamanders

[PinkSkullCity]

I was going to purchase a slimy salamander because I used to catch them as a kid and I loved them, but I read that they give off a thick black slime when you hold them and you shouldnt hold them. The ones I caught never did that, and I could hold them easily. Am I thinking of another kind of salamander? They are small and black and caught in the wild. They look just like the Slimy's though so I dont know..Im confused ...Thanks

 

[Kaysie]

Slimy salamanders are called so because they secrete a defensive mucus. It feels a bit like glue. Not all slimy sals will do this, but I've found most will.

You should not hold any pet salamanders. It can damage their skin.

 

[PinkSkullCity]

i guess thats not the kind i had when i was little because it was never slimy but it looked just like those...

 

[Kaysie]

There are a ton of species in the 'slimy salamander' complex.

If you're interested in one, I would go out and collect one or two from an area with a stable population, if it's legal to do so in your area. They will probably be healthier than if you purchased one from a pet shop. Unless you can find someone who is captively breeding them, but I'm not aware of anyone.