Water Dogs?

[sparkyr99]

I've noticed in the last few weeks that "Water Dogs" have been showing up in my local pet shops. I have never seen them there before. Are Water Dogs in general any particular type of salamander? I've looked around online and can't seem to find any solid answer on species. Most say that they are tiger salamander larvae, but one pet shop in particular had ones that were huge. Around 12+ inches long, i've never seen a tiger that long. I'm not planning on buying any due to the conditions they are being kept in, crowded tanks, gravel, high temps etc. I'm just curious, They remind me of the salamanders people used to buy for bait (not me) when i was little.

 

[Neotenic_Jaymes]

Water Dogs are Tiger Salamander larvae. Some can get really big especially neotenic ones. I'm sure that the warm and crowded tank space in those stores are stressing out the salamanders. Its hard to say what species some Water Dogs are unless you know the direct locality.

Water Dogs/Tiger Salamander larvae and Mud puppies are often used as bait. I remember seeing Mud Puppies sold as bait but not anymore due to changes made by the DNR here in MI. Other states still Water Dogs and Mud Puppies as bait.

 

[FrogEyes]

"Water dogs" in pet stores are USUALLY tiger salamander larvae.

True water dogs and mudpuppies are not tiger salamanders, and don't often make it into stores. However, wholesalers DO sell them, which means they must be ending up in stores somewhere.