How to Care for Spotted Salamander Larvae

Like frogs, salamanders, including spotted salamanders, begin life as aquatic larvae before growing into their mature form. The larvae, often referred to as water dogs, somewhat resemble the adult salamander in their body and tail shape. They hatch from their eggs without legs, and grow them as they mature. The larvae also have a fringe of gills around their heads. These larvae have very different needs from the adult spotted salamander, and need to be cared for properly in order to remain healthy.

Things You'll Need

  • Several larvae containers of various sizes
  • Water
  • Frozen microworms, young brine shrimp or other tiny insect
  • Gentle filtration system
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep the salamander larvae in a shallow container when they are very young. This container can be small at first, but the spotted salamander larvae will need more space as they grow. The container should be filled with water, as the larvae are fully aquatic.

    • 2

      Perform partial or complete water changes every day. Water changes are when some or all of the water in the salamander tank is removed and replaced with fresh water. Salamander larvae quickly dirty water, so this step is very important for maintaining water quality.

    • 3

      Feed the larvae often. Spotted salamander larvae do not swim after food at first, so there should always be enough food in the tank or container that the larvae can get it without moving too much. Salamander larvae begin feeding once they are a day or two old. They can be fed live or frozen microworms, young brine shrimp and other tiny insects. As they mature, the size of the food can be increased.

    • 4

      Transfer the larvae to larger containers as they grow. Nearly grown larvae will need between one and two gallons of space each. These containers or tanks don't need to have any substrate, but some aquarium plants should be provided, to give the larvae hiding places. The water can be kept shallow in these containers, but should completely cover the larvae. It's also a good idea to place small and large larvae in separate containers to prevent the smaller larvae from being eaten.

    • 5

      Add a gentle filtration system as the larvae mature and are placed in larger tanks. This is not strictly necessary, but will help to maintain the water quality. A strong filter may create an uncomfortably strong current for the larvae, or even suck them into the filter itself. Continue to perform partial water changes as well, removing any waste material in the container.

    • 6

      Provide a dry area in the container, which the larvae can easily climb onto, as they mature. When you notice that the gills of the spotted salamander larvae are shrinking, or the larvae are occasionally breathing air from the surface, you know it's time to provide this dry area. You can create an island in part of the container, or tilt the container so the upper part is dry while the lower part is submerged.

    • 7

      Provide the spotted salamander with a terrestrial habitat after they have complete metamorphosis, growing into their adult forms.