Ideal spotted salamander home

[moespeaking]

i have a 4" spotted salamander that ive had for about 7 months since it was maybe 2". I have it in a large critter keeper about 17"x 12" maybe 7" high. Its filled with moss that i keep quite moist and have a water dish that isnt that big or deep. Hes been growing well and eating well but i want to know their ideal set up (besides the wild). How aquatic are these guys really should i have a lot more water and less land?

all comments welcome. thank you

[wildlifewarrior]

They aren't aquatic except during breeding season. For the short time the visit the vernal pools they are aquatic but after that they are terrestrial. they stay under damp logs/underground for the rest of the year. i would say a damp substrate, moss and lots of hides in probably a 10-20 gallon tank would be perfect. They don't need anything larger than a 20 gal for sure.

hope that helps

~mike

[joyful girl]

awww.. I LOVE salamanders!!!

[moespeaking]

yea il prob keep em where he his now until he gets to be 7"+. yea salamanders rock this is one of my favorite pets and i have a lot.

[Ginevive]

I love spotteds. I kept one for several years; I used coconut fiber as a substrate and kept it damp (not sopping wet.) I loved how he would grab and shake the crickets before eating them.