Ambystoma tigrinum
Tiger Salamander
Tiger salamanders are large, burrowing amphibians that spend most of their time hidden in moist substrate. They are calm to handle occasionally but do best mostly left undisturbed.
AmbystomatidaeLifespan 12–15 years, sometimes over 20Care complexity 3/5Not a beginner animal
At a glance
- Scientific name
- Ambystoma tigrinum
- Family
- Ambystomatidae
- Origin
- Wetlands and woodlands across much of North America
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years, sometimes over 20
- Adult size
- 18–33 cm
- Weight
- 50–150 g
- Temperament
- Docile and generally tolerant of brief, careful handling
- Activity level
- Low to moderate; a burrowing, nocturnal ambush hunter
- Social needs
- Low; best kept singly, as they can bite or eat smaller tankmates
- Intelligence
- Simple but learns feeding locations and times
- Noise
- Silent
Housing and environment
- Housing
- Minimum 60 x 30 x 30 cm enclosure with 10–15 cm of moist substrate for burrowing
- Space requirement
- Floor area for burrowing more important than height
- Temperature
- 16–22°C; overheating above 24°C is dangerous
- Humidity
- 70–80%, kept consistently moist
- Exercise
- Deep, loose substrate for burrowing behaviour
- Grooming
- Not applicable; moist substrate and gentle handling protect its permeable skin
Diet and feeding
Earthworms, crickets and other appropriately sized live insects
Behaviour and compatibility
Burrowing, nocturnal ambush feeding, occasional surface basking on cool humid nights
- With children
- Handle only briefly with clean, wet hands; not ideal for very young children
- With other animals
- House alone; larger salamanders can eat smaller tankmates
- Training difficulty
- Not applicable
Health
- Skin irritation from dry hands or substrate
- Impaction from loose substrate ingestion
- Chytrid fungus
- Obesity from overfeeding
Amphibian-experienced vets are scarce; stable temperature and moisture prevent most issues
Special care requirements
Always wet your hands before any handling to protect its highly permeable skin