Introducing the Fire Salamander, Salamandra salamandra: The Most “Personable” of All Amphibians?
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here.
Those who keep reptiles, especially turtles and lizards, are often of the opinion that amphibians make rather unresponsive pets. True, a number of frogs and toads "come to life" at feeding time, but by and large amphibians are somewhat more retiring than are most reptiles. This is especially true of the salamanders, many of which spend the vast majority of their lives in hiding.
A Beautifully-Colored and Responsive Salamander
The strikingly beautiful fire salamander is, however, a notable exception. Native to cool, mossy woodlands in southwest Asia, much of Europe, and a small portion of northwestern Africa (a continent noted for its lack of salamanders), fire salamanders are as visually oriented as any turtle and eagerly anticipate regular feeding times. Typically colored jet-black and mottled with bright orange or yellow, one subspecies, Salamandra salamandra fastuosa is largely bright yellow with bold black lines going down the body, legs, and tail (please see photo).
The many fire salamanders I have kept would, without exception, leave their retreats in anticipation of food when I approached their terrarium. Most feed from the fingers or forceps and are not shy about moving about in broad daylight once they are acclimatized to captivity. They even move differently than most salamanders - holding their bodies high off the group and "stomping about" in a very determined (and most "un-salamander-like") manner. And, as you can see from the photo, their bold personalities also suit them well as "amphibian ambassadors" to budding herpetologists!
A Caution Concerning Temperature
Fire salamanders could very well be the ideal amphibian pet for reptile enthusiasts. Their one drawback is a distinct sensitivity to warm temperatures...a cool basement or similar situation is pretty much a necessity for success with this species. Although individuals hailing from certain populations are a bit more heat-tolerant than others, nearly all become stressed at temperatures over 72°F.
Breeding and Longevity in My Collection and Elsewhere
However, when properly cared for, fire salamanders are among the most long-lived of all amphibians, with the captive longevity record being just over 50 years.
I received the 2 individuals pictured together here as larvae 14 years ago - they have bred several times and show no signs of slowing down. They do not lay eggs, but rather give birth to live larvae. Some populations, particularly those living at high elevations, give birth to fully formed little salamanders, skipping the larval stage completely.
How I Keep and Feed Fire Salamanders
I keep my fire salamanders in a basement where yearly temperatures range from 55-68F.
As you can see from the accompanying photo, they feed readily from plastic tongs. This allows me to increase dietary variety through the use of canned invertebrates - snails are particularly favored. Field research has shown land snails to be an important part of the natural diet in many regions, so I rely heavily upon these, especially during the winter when other foods are scarce.
I also use canned silkworms, live earthworms (50% of the diet), blackworms, crickets, mealworm beetles, waxworms, sow bugs and wild-caught insects (i.e. moths gathered with the aid of a Zoo Med Bug Napper).
There is a great deal more of interest about both the captive husbandry and natural history of the fire salamander. I'll cover both in depth in future articles. Until then, please write in with your comments and questions. Thanks, until next time, Frank Indiviglio.
Further Reading
You can learn more about this salamander's natural history and the threats facing wild populations at http://amphibiaweb.org/cgi/amphib_query?where-genus=Salamandra&where-species=salamandra
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April 23rd, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Great post, but its a bit long and most people like short and sweet posts!
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:10 pm
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here.
Thanks very much for your interest in our blog and the kind comment.
I do appreciate the trend towards short articles, but I find that a great deal is often lost in the process. This subject being my life’s work and passion, I have a difficult time cutting corners, especially where captive care is concerned. A tremendous number of reptiles and amphibians are now readily available to pet keepers, but the quality of advice given by many sellers and authors is, unfortunately, often less than adequate. I have seen a great many unnecessary deaths and well-meaning but poorly prepared hobbyists in my time, and so usually err on the side of writing too much.
That being said, your point is well taken – my first book (before the days of “word count” on the computer) was contracted to be 33,000 words, but ran to 90,000! I’m paying for that oversight right now, in fact, as I must cut a great deal of text for the second addition. New articles on this blog will be in a slightly shorter format, and presented in 2 or 3 parts if need be.
Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.
May 25th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
I’ll also add that California newts, in my experience, are extremely personable and come toward me eagerly when it’s feeding time. They are not at all shy – probably due to their skin toxins which make them feel invulnerable.
Come to think of it, my Alpine newts also recognize me and approach me for food, as did the toads I’ve kept in the past, so I’d never call them unresponsive pets….
May 25th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
Hello Raksha, Frank Indiviglio here.
Thanks for your comment.
You are quite right – most newts are very perceptive and aware of their surroundings, California newts in particular. Toads are in a class all by themselves…I kept several marine toads at large (below exhibits at the Bronx Zoo) and was really amazed at how they predicted feeding times, maintained retreat sites, approached when I entered their area, etc.
I’m sure you’re onto something as regards toxicity imparting a certain boldness – you see it in dart frogs and other well-protected yet tiny animals as well. Striped skunks are among the calmest and most confident wild pets or exhibit animals imaginable…they “know” they’re untouchable. I’ve live-trapped and relocated dozens during my years at the Bronx Zoo – by moving slowly, I was able to cover the trap, load them onto a golf cart, drive across the park and release them without incident.
A California newt I kept in my youth lived for 19 years – 17 of them in the same tank with an American eel that would attack anything else, including my hand, within reach when hungry. The newt was off limits, and made not the slightest attempt to avoid the eel.
Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.