Marbled Salamander
(Ambystoma opacum)

The marbled salamander is a smaller species, only reaching lengths of about three to four inches in length with the females being slightly larger in size. Marbled salamanders are dark in coloration with white or light gray cross-bands across their head, back, and tail. Male marbled salamanders tend to have silvery white cross-bands while the female marbled salamanders generally have silvery gray cross-bands. The male marbled salamanders' cross-bands can become very white along the cloacal glads during the breeding season in early autumn.

Marbled salamanders can be found through most of the Midwest United States and can be found as far south as northern Florida and as far north as southern New England.

Difficulty

NOVICE: The marbled salamander's is an excellent choice for hobbyists to keep.

Requirements

An enclosure, such as:

• Glass or acrylic aquarium (10 gallons or more, depending on the number of marbled salamanders kept) with a secure lid
• Aquarium Filter

Substrate, such as:

• Non-fertilizied soil
• Crushed coconut fiber

A heating element, such as:

• None

Enclosure

A 10-gallon aquarium with a secure wire mesh top is adequate for one to two marbled salamanders. Marbled salamanders are nocturnal and like moist surroundings with places to hide and burrow. Live plants can be used to help maintain the enclosures humidity levels. Pieces of drift wood and cork bark also provide great places for your marbled salamander to hide as well. A large shallow water dish should also be provided.

Substrate

A simple setup of a layer of larger gravel with a layer of substrate such as non-fertilizied soil or sphagnum moss often works well. If you fill the area of gravel with water you will find that as the water evatorates that it will keep the other substrate damp to maintain humidity levels.

Heating and Light

Marbled salamanders do well at room temperature. Daytime temperatures for marbled salamanders can range from 65°F to 75°F wile nighttime temperatures can drop as low as 60° F. In summer months or in warmer climates, temperatures can be kept down by using cold water for misting and filling the bottom layer of substrate. Marbled salamanders rarely need any additional heat sources. Ultraviolet light is also not required, but marbled salamanders will do well with photoperiod provided by a regular fluorescent light. Humidity levels should be maintained at 60% to 70%.

Diet

Marbled salamanders eat anything they can fit in their mouths in the wild. In captivity marbled slamanders can be fed crickets, earthworms, wax worms and night crawlers. Catching wild insects to feed your marbled salamander can be risky as these insects may contain pesticides that are harmful to your marbled salamander. Because of their small size they only require one to two insects per day each. About once a week the prey should be dusted with a calcium and vitamin D3 suppliment.