Question: What kind of salamanders are these?

[ramaloki]

These two salamanders were found in a pool in Florida. I do live on the border of Georgia so they could be from there too. They seem to live submerged in water, coming up every so often to breathe. They have 4 claws and non webbed feet.

Also, I've been feeding them blood worms and newt food. Should I find them something living?
And, if you know a good site for taking care of these creatures, please post it here. Thank you.

Here are the pics:
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/inuyasha13542/IMG_3213.jpg
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/inuyasha13542/IMG_3214.jpg
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/inuyasha13542/IMG_3216.jpg
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/inuyasha13542/IMG_3217.jpg

 

[Nathan050793]

One looks like it may be a Mole salamander (Ambystoma talpoideum), though it's difficult to tell from the photos.They appear to be, at the very least, some species of Ambystoma, and so should have care requirements similar to Tiger salamanders.

They are definitely not aquatic at this stage, so a change of setup should probably be your first step. Here's a care sheet that may help: Caudata Culture Species Entry - Tiger salamander

 

[Kaysie]

I agree with Nathan; they both appear to be ambystomatids. The speckly one looks like a Flatwoods Salamander, Ambystoma cingulatum. In the area that you found it, it may very well be a Reticulated Flatwoods Salamander, A. bishopi, which has been recently described as a separate species from A. cingulatum. This species is a Federally endangered species. It is ILLEGAL to have possession of this species.

I HIGHLY suggest taking both animals and releasing them at a vernal pond nearest to where you found them. Not only is this more ecologically sound, but it also will curtail any legal action if it is indeed the Reticulated flatwoods salamander.

 

[ramaloki]

@ Nathan: Thank you.

@Kaysie: Seems like a good idea to me. I'll find out where my dad found them.

 

[Kaysie]

Best of luck!

 

[Greatwtehunter]

I seriously doubt that's cingulatum, not enough reticulation. They look like Ambystoma talpoideum to me. The male is obviously talpoideum.