Salamander

1 Overview

Salamanders (order Caudata) look superficially like lizards but have smooth, scaleless skin and absorb water through it; in cold seasons they hibernate. There are roughly 400+ species across 10 families of the order Caudata, mostly in the Northern Hemisphere’s temperate zone.

NOTE: salamanders are amphibians, not reptiles, but they share the terrarium hobby. In China the most widespread kept species is the Oriental fire-bellied newt (Cynops orientalis) of East and Central China. This article describes the group generally.

2 Appearance

Salamanders have a long tail and poor eyesight, so they take only live prey. Adults range about 61-155 mm. The skin is smooth with small warts; the body is divided into head, neck, trunk, limbs and a strongly flattened tail. Limbs are slender with no webbing between toes.

3 Habitat & Environment

They favour marshes, ponds and paddies. In freezing weather they hibernate in soil crevices or under stones; in spring they become active in vegetated pools and rice fields.

Most adults hide by day and forage at night. Because their skin is semi-permeable and loses water easily, most live in damp, mossy environments; strongly aquatic kinds (e.g. giant salamanders) prefer cool, clean water. A near-saturated humidity and a small pond for feeding and hiding are essential in captivity.

4 Care & Temperament

Salamanders eat insects, worms and snails and rarely swim, mostly foraging on the bottom. They are generally gentle, so stocking density can follow your space and ability.

They are fascinating to keep – watch for limb regeneration, unusual courtship, and the switch between terrestrial and aquatic forms. Maintain high humidity and clean, cool water.