Scientific Name: Salamandra salamandra.
Common Names: Fire Salamander.
Distribution: Western, Central, and Southern Europe, North-Western Africa, and South-Western Asia.
Size: 19 - 25cm (7.5 - 10").
Sexing: Males tend to be slimmer than females, and also have more swollen cloaca.
Colouration: There are 13 known subspecies of the Fire Salamander. The most common is S. s. salamandra from central and eastern Europe, which sports a predominantly black dorsum with irregular yellow spots and squiggles. The second most common subspecies available to the hobbyist is S. s. terrestris from central and northern Europe, in this subspecies the yellow markings form a pair of dorso-lateral stripes. The third subspecies seen with any regularity is S. s. gigliolii from Italy, the yellow markings in this species take dominance, covering the majority of the dorsal surface with just a few small blotches of the usual black showing through. Some individuals will show more of an orange-red colouring rather than the usual yellow, and some individuals found in Italy show red spots on the ventral surface.
Requirements: These Salamanders are rather large individuals and require a fairly large terrarium. A 15-gallon tank would be adequate for an adult pair. They require a woodland type set-up with a substrate of bark chips, peat, and topsoil. Plenty of mossy areas should be provided. Furnishings such as logs, cork bark, flat rocks and sturdy leafed plants can be arranged to provide a number of hiding places. A shallow water bowl must be provided with clean de-chlorinated or spring water. These Salamanders dislike temperatures above 20°C and so the tank should not require additional heating. A low wattage fluorescent tube should be used as a light source.
Maintenance: Water will need changing daily to avoid the build up of ammonia and bacteria. Whilst changing the water it is a good idea to spot clean the tank and remove, clean, and replace any soiled items. At least once a month the entire terrarium and it's contents should be striped, cleaned, and sterilized using an amphibian friendly disinfectant.
Feeding: Juvenile Salamanders should be fed daily with a mixture of suitably sized insects including small earthworms, whiteworm, slugs, and mini-mealworms, the food items should be dusted with a calcium and vitamin supplement two-three times a week. Adult Salamanders should be fed every two-three days with a mixture of earthworms, slugs, spiders, woodlice, regular mealworms, waxworms, and crickets, the food items should be dusted with a calcium and vitamin supplement once a week.
