Hobbies And Interests
Types of Salamanders
Salamanders make up around 350 species of more than 4,000 amphibian types. Some mainly stay on land throughout their adult life, while a number of them will live in or near water. Of the many colorful species, some common pets are tiger salamanders, which come in yellow-colored stripes; and fire salamanders with irregularly shaped yellow-orange spots. The "flatwoods" salamander, "long-toed" salamander and "redback" salamander are some that make-up a handful of commonly known species.
Feeding Pet Salamanders
A salamander's diet depends on what specific type or species it is, and at what stage of the life cycle it is currently at. Baby salamanders, which look like tadpoles, eat small animals in the water, while adults eat invertebrates, such as small insects, worms and slugs. Depending on the type of pet salamander, you can feed it smaller animals, such as insects, crickets, insect larvae, worms, amphibian eggs and larvae, leeches, and even centipedes and spiders.
Habitat
Like feeding, habitat depends on the type of species. Aquariums and tanks serve as appropriate "cages"; however, the way the environment is set up inside should be based on the salamander species' natural environment. Usually, setups include both land and water areas. Potting soil or anything that stays damp for burrowing may be used for land. Salamanders also like hiding spots, such as rocks, bark and plants.
Handling Pet Salamanders
Handling salamanders should be avoided for the most part. Our skin secretes oils and substances that may be toxic to them, and the heat from our body surface may also be intolerable as salamanders are aquatic creatures. Aside from this, several species produce fluids in their skin that may severely irritate and inflame human skin and mucous membranes.