How to Care for a Mudpuppy

A mudpuppy is a type of salamander that begins as a tadpole that lives in an aquatic environment. The tadpole later grows into a gilled salamander that also lives in the water. Mudpuppies are generally easy to care for and eat a wide variety of foods that are easily obtained. They are nocturnal and will grow up to 17 inches. Adult females will lay any from 30 to 190 eggs a year.

Things You'll Need

  • Large aquarium
  • Water
  • Filter
  • Rocks
  • Driftwood
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a large aquarium to house your mudpuppy. It needs to be at least 20 gallons and it is best to find a variety that is long and shallow rather than one that is short and deep.

    • 2

      Cover the bottom of the aquarium with small rocks or gravel. Use large flat rocks or pieces of driftwood to form hiding places. Even an empty plant pot that is laid on its side is a good hiding place. Be sure that any object used is free of any chemicals.

    • 3

      Fill the aquarium with water, stopping a few inches from the top. Use an aquarium filter that is appropriate for your chosen tank, or even a larger one, as there will be a lot of waste for it to remove.

    • 4

      Place a tight lid on the tank and be sure it is secure at all times. A mudpuppy will climb to the top, even out of the water, and is strong enough to push up a loose lid. If this happens, it will not live long out of the water.

    • 5

      Feed the mudpuppy foods that closely resemble those that he would eat in his natural habitat. Some good choices are worms, insect larvae and snails. Feeder fish such as minnows are also good but goldfish should be avoided as they are high in fat. A mudpuppy is not a daily feeder and needs to be fed two or three times a week.

    • 6

      Keep the tank clean by changing the filter regularly and scooping out large debris with an aquarium net. If it is necessary to do a major water change, change only 10 percent of the water at one time.