Introduction: While labeled Fire Salamanders, these animals are actually newts. They can grow over a foot in length but tend to mature between 8-10 inches with most of it belonging to their tail. They are moderately easy to care for as long as you can provide the cooler temperatures they require.
Housing: Two or three fire salamanders can be housed in a 15 gallon enclosure with a secure screen lid for proper ventilation. Territorial behavior has been seen in fire salamanders so it is important to keep an eye on them if housing several together to ensure no injuries occur. They enjoy burrowing during the day as they are nocturnal so a deep substrate of potting soil mixed with sand, pulped wood, or reptile barks should be used. Several hides should be in the enclosure, additional ones if housing multiple fire salamanders together, and can be created using cork bark, half logs, and ceramic plant holders.
Temps & Lighting: Fire Salamanders do not need any special lighting so UVB is not necessary. This species enjoy cooler temperatures between 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit and temps should never get above 75 degrees as it can cause distress and even death.
Humidity: Humidity should be kept moderate and the substrate should be damp but not soaking wet. Misting can help achieve this but should not be done excessively.
Diet: This species can become obese easily so moderation is best when it comes to feeding. Adults should be offered gut loaded insects such as crickets, roaches, wax worms, snails, and earth worms twice a week. All of the feeders should be dusted with vitamin and mineral powders. Pinkies and fish can be offered as an occasional treat.
Water: Fire Salamanders enjoy soaking so a sturdy, shallow bowl with de-chlorinated water should be available at all times within their enclosure.
Housing: Two or three fire salamanders can be housed in a 15 gallon enclosure with a secure screen lid for proper ventilation. Territorial behavior has been seen in fire salamanders so it is important to keep an eye on them if housing several together to ensure no injuries occur. They enjoy burrowing during the day as they are nocturnal so a deep substrate of potting soil mixed with sand, pulped wood, or reptile barks should be used. Several hides should be in the enclosure, additional ones if housing multiple fire salamanders together, and can be created using cork bark, half logs, and ceramic plant holders.
Temps & Lighting: Fire Salamanders do not need any special lighting so UVB is not necessary. This species enjoy cooler temperatures between 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit and temps should never get above 75 degrees as it can cause distress and even death.
Humidity: Humidity should be kept moderate and the substrate should be damp but not soaking wet. Misting can help achieve this but should not be done excessively.
Diet: This species can become obese easily so moderation is best when it comes to feeding. Adults should be offered gut loaded insects such as crickets, roaches, wax worms, snails, and earth worms twice a week. All of the feeders should be dusted with vitamin and mineral powders. Pinkies and fish can be offered as an occasional treat.
Water: Fire Salamanders enjoy soaking so a sturdy, shallow bowl with de-chlorinated water should be available at all times within their enclosure.
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