Our Amphiumas
Can you say, AM-FEE-OO-MUH? This guy may not be a guy at all. We are not sure if it is male or female. Could this be the reason it doesn't have a name? This three-toed amphiumas is about 1 1/2 feet long and it came from a private breeder. Some people may think this is an eel or a snake, but it is a type of salamander, which is an amphibian. If you take a closer look, you will see its tiny legs!
Amphiumas' Size
This salamander can grow up to 42" long, including the tail. FUN FACT: It is the longest salamander in North America!
Amphiumas' Life Span
The maximum life span in captivity is 15.9 years.
Amphiumas' Housing
Our amphiumas is in an aquarium along with some rocks, fake roots, fake plants and of course, snails to help keep everything clean. Cage size requirements are not as large as you might expect.
Amphiumas' Food
In the wild, amphiumas eat nearly anything they can catch, such as worms, crustaceans, and snails. They also eat fish, frogs and even small snakes. In captivity, they will eat pelleted food, as well as small fish, tadpoles, crayfish, smaller salamanders and raw or cooked shrimp.
Amphiumas' Lighting & Temperature Requirements
These animals do not need heated enclosures because they can be found in areas where the temperature can get well below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature of the enclosure should not be allowed to rise about 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Amphiumas' Substrate
Several handfuls of leaves to provide shelter on the bottom should be added and a thick layer of floating plants.
References
nas.er.usgs.gov
stlzoo.org
amphibiaweb.org
caudata.org
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