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Care Sheet: Marbled Salamander (Ambystoma opacum)

Common Name: Marbled Salamander.

Scientific Name: Ambystoma opacum.

Distribution: Eastern North America.

Size: 9 - 12cm.

Sexing: Males tend to be slimmer than females, and also have more swollen cloaca. The pale silver-grey bands are often brighter and more noticeable in males.

Colouration: A dark grey to black background with grey-silver bands on the dorsum, with a plain black belly.

Requirements: The Marbled Salamander is a fairly small form of Ambystomatidae and therefore requires a little less space than many other species in its family. A 15-gallon tank would be adequate for housing a pair. They require a woodland type set-up with a deep substrate of damp coco-humus, peat, top-soil and moss for burrowing. 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. The water will need to be changed daily to avoid the build up of ammonia and bacteria in the water whilst changing the water it is a good idea to visually inspect the tank and remove, clean and replace any soiled items. If kept indoors away from frost and freezing temperatures the tank will not usually require additional heating. A low wattage fluorescent tube should be used as a light source although this is not strictly necessary. Once every two-three weeks the tank and its contents should be completely cleaned and sterilised using an amphibian / reptile 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.