Scientific Name: Ambystoma mavortium
Common Names: Tiger Salamander.
Distribution: Southern Canada, United States of America, and northern Mexico.
Size: 17 - 35cm (7 - 14").
Sexing: Males tend to be slimmer than females, and also have more swollen cloaca.
Colouration & Variety: There is variation in the colour and patterning of this species throughout its range. The dorsum varies from a grey to greyish-black with black, brown, yellow or cream spots, which sometimes merge into bands and lines. The ventral surface varies from cream to greyish black. There are 5 distinct subspecies of A.mavortium the most commonly available being the nominate form the Barred Tiger Salamander (A.m.mavortium) as pictured above from Colorado, other subspecies being Arizona tiger salamander (Ambystoma mavortium nebulosum), Blotched tiger salamander (Ambystoma mavortium melanostictum), Gray tiger salamander (Ambystoma mavortium diaboli), and the Sonoran tiger salamander (Ambystoma mavortium stebbinsi).
Requirements: These Salamanders are a very large form of Salamander and require a rather large terrarium. A 15-gallon tank would be adequate for a single adult, where as a 20-gallon tank would be suitable for housing a pair. They require a woodland type set-up with a deep substrate of damp coco-humus, peat, top-soil and moss. Furnishings such as logs, cork bark, flat rocks and sturdy leafed plants can be arranged to provide a number of hiding places. A shallow water bowl must be provided with clean de-chlorinated or spring water. If kept indoors away from frost and freezing temperatures the tank will not usually require additional heating. A low wattage fluorescent tube should be used as a light source although this is not strictly necessary.
Maintenance: Water will need changing daily to avoid the build up of ammonia and bacteria. Whilst changing the water it is a good idea to spot clean the tank and remove, clean, and replace any soiled items. At least once a month the entire terrarium and it's contents should be striped, cleaned, and sterilized using an amphibian friendly disinfectant.
Feeding: Juvenile Salamanders should be fed daily with a mixture of suitably sized insects including small earthworms, slugs, and mini-mealworm, the food items should be dusted with a calcium and vitamin supplement two-three times a week. Adult Salamanders should be fed every two-three days with a mixture of large earthworms, slugs, spiders, woodlice, regular mealworms, waxworms, crickets, and may even take pinkie mice, the food items should be dusted with a calcium and vitamin supplement once a week.
