The General Habitat of the Aquatic Salamander

There more than 400 species of salamanders around the world. Despite diverse habitats, aquatic salamanders require water to successfully reproduce. The salamander has no scales so its soft, moist skin dries out rapidly, which can quickly cause death. An amphibian, the aquatic salamander spends its entire life within water. It is often kept as a pet and housed within an aquarium.

  1. Oxygen Requirements

    • The aquatic salamander thrives in fast moving fresh water, such as rivers or streams. They require oxygen-rich water and are highly susceptible to pollutants. Most species of adult aquatic salamanders have no gills and breathe through their skin, but a few species retain gills into adulthood. All aquatic salamander species are highly susceptible to the oxygen available within the water. An inadequate oxygen supply will quickly kill the aquatic salamander.

    Temperature Requirements

    • Temperature requirements vary among species; tropical and subtropical salamanders require and can tolerate higher temperatures than cool climate species. Cool climate salamanders require a period of hibernation to breed and thrive. They bury themselves in the mud for two or three months as the water temperature drops and winter sets in. Some species may die if the temperature goes below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Cool climate salamanders kept in captivity continue to require a period of hibernation to maintain their overall health.

    Habitat Threats

    • Around the world the majority of salamanders are threatened. In the United States 40 percent of the salamander species are considered at risk of extinction, according to the Virginia Cooperative Extension. Acid rain and the drainage of wetlands destroys the amphibian's habitat. Pollution of the world's lakes, rivers and streams also kills the aquatic salamander. Urban growth also poses a threat to the delicate creatures.

    Breeding Habitat

    • The breeding season of the aquatic salamander varies and depends on the species. Most species reach sexual maturity at 4 or 5 years of age. Mating and egg laying takes place in the water. The females attaches her eggs -- held together by a jelly-like substance -- to twigs or underwater foliage. Most females will stay with the eggs to guard and protect them. They will keep them clean by removing any algae growth from their surface. The young of the aquatic salamander are born with gills and resemble frog tadpoles. Since salamanders are primarily nocturnal, breeding usually takes place at night. The larvae of the salamander feed on small aquatic animals.

    Captive Habitat

    • Captive aquatic salamanders can reside in an aquarium. Utilize gravel and aquatic plants to provide a natural habitat for the salamander. A water filtration system will need to be installed on the tank to keep the water clean. Salamanders tend to be quite dirty. A aquarium aerator will help oxygenate the water within the tank. Some species of salamanders require aquarium heaters but others survive without them.