California Tiger Salamander

Overview

California Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma californiense) is a mole salamander native to California, USA. A distinctively spotted salamander endemic to California, a protected species in the wild.

Care level: Advanced. Toxicity: Low.

History & Origin

The Ambystomatidae (Mole Salamanders) is naturally distributed across California, USA, where it occupies the typical habitats of its family. It has been kept by specialist and hobbyist keepers both in the wild and in captivity.

Appearance & Size

California Tiger Salamander is a 12–20 cm mole salamander.

Temperament

Mole salamanders are stocky, terrestrial as adults and often bold; the axolotl is a permanently aquatic, larval form that never metamorphoses and is famously hardy.

Care & Husbandry

A mole salamander needs a cool, moist terrestrial setup with soil or moss to burrow into and a hide; axolotls instead require a cool, well-filtered aquarium (14–20 °C) with no sharp décor. Feed earthworms, invertebrates and, for axolotls, sinking carnivore pellets. Avoid warm water, which stresses them.

This species is generally rated Advanced in difficulty for keepers.

Health & Lifespan

In captivity California Tiger Salamander typically lives 10–15 years. Mole salamanders commonly live 10–25 years (axolotls 10–15). Regeneration is remarkable but they are sensitive to warm, dirty water and injury; keep axolotls cool and handle minimally.

Popularity & Recognition

The axolotl is a worldwide sensation for its permanent larval smile and regenerative powers; the tiger salamander is one of North America's largest and most popular salamanders.