Question: Substrate for Morphing Salamander

[hcq33]

I have a question about substrate for my morphing salamander. Within the past 7 days, he has lost his gills, his tail has thined out and his eyes are different. Also, he seems to really want to dig. You can see from the photo he has small "gold fish" rock, is there a type of sand that would be better, help him feel more secure and and allows him to dig? I know it is important to make sure they don't eat the substrate, any ideas out there? Thanks hcq Oh, this little guy is only two inches long!

 

[Nathan050793]

Hey, I've seen your other posts asking what species of salamander you have and, I think I can finally tell you- You appear to have a long-toed Salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum). The adult coloration is a dead give-away.

As for substrate, He will be entirely terrestrial after metamorphosis; if you continue to keep him aquatically, there is a risk that he may drown. Cocofiber mixed with topsoil will provide an excellent substrate for him.

Caudata Culture will be a great help for any other questions you have. Here is a link to the care sheet for A.macrodactylum and one for Tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum/mavortium), which will tell you how to keep your long-toed salamander (requirements are almost identical)- http://www.caudata.org/cc/species/Ambystoma/A_macrodactylum.shtml

http://www.caudata.org/cc/species/Ambystoma/A_tigrinum.shtml

Good Luck!

 

[hcq33]

Nathan,
Thank you so much for your help. I have, since this photo, moved all four salamanders to the plastic bins I have seen so many people using, except mine are shoe box size. Thank you so much for the care sheet info. I will read them both, I want my little guys to be as happy as possible.
hcq