Salamanders are quiet, careful animals that like to hide in dark forests, under wet logs, or near cool streams. When you spot one in the wild or online, you might wonder: what type of salamanders can you have as pets?
Some salamanders can make good pets, but only certain species. With the right setup and care, a few species do well in tanks. But not all salamanders are meant for life in captivity.
Only some salamanders, like tiger salamanders, axolotls, fire salamanders, and marbled salamanders, are hardy, easier to care for, and legal to keep as pets in many places. Most wild salamanders shouldn’t be kept as pets because their needs are hard to meet. Taking them from the wild can also harm both the animal and the environment.
Understanding the Legal Rules
Before you get a salamander, it’s important to know the rules in your area. Some laws can decide which species you can keep, or if you can keep any at all.
Local Regulations
Many states and cities protect native amphibians. In some areas, you need a special license to keep wild salamanders.
Even moving them from one place to another can be against the law.
Protected Species
Some salamanders are protected because their homes are disappearing or their numbers are dropping. These animals can’t be kept as pets.
Breaking these rules, even by accident, can lead to fines or trouble with the law.
Captive-Bred Salamanders
Some laws only allow salamanders that were born in captivity. Captive-bred animals are usually healthier, less stressed, and adapt better to life in a tank.
This also helps keep wild populations safe.
Beginner-Friendly Salamanders
Some salamanders are easier to care for, making them good choices for first-time owners. They are hardier, eat more easily, and handle small changes in temperature or humidity better.
1. Fire Salamanders
Fire salamanders are black-and-yellow salamanders from Europe. Their skin can have spots, stripes, or patterns. They grow about 8 inches long and live on land as adults.
They do well in cool, moist tanks with plenty of hiding spots. Their skin can release mild toxins when stressed, so it’s best to watch them through glass rather than handling them.
Fire salamanders eat small insects and worms and are usually more active at night. Their bright colors make them popular, but they need cooler temperatures and careful care.
2. Tiger Salamanders
Tiger salamanders are thick-bodied and hardy. They are easy to care for and sometimes tolerate gentle handling.
They like moist, land-based tanks with room to burrow. They eat crickets, worms, and other insects. Because they’re native to North America, make sure to check your local rules before getting one.
3. Marbled Salamanders
Marbled salamanders come from the eastern United States. Their black bodies have silver or white crossbands that give them a marbled look.
They are small, around 4–5 inches long, and spend most of their time hiding under soil or bark. Marbled salamanders live on land and do well in small, cool tanks with moist soil.
They are quiet and hardy, but shouldn’t be handled.
4. Axolotls
Axolotls are very different from other salamanders. They live entirely in water and keep their gills, so they never grow lungs or move to land.
Axolotls come from lakes in Mexico, though wild ones are now critically endangered.
In captivity, they grow up to 10 inches long and live in cool, clean water.
They eat worms, pellets, and small fish food. Axolotls are fun to watch but should never be handled.
Salamanders for Intermediate Keepers
Once you know basic care, you might try slightly more challenging salamanders.
1. Red-Backed Salamanders
Red-backed salamanders are tiny woodland salamanders that breathe through their skin. This means they need cool, humid, and stable conditions.
They eat very small prey like springtails or fruit flies. These salamanders do best in tanks where moisture and tiny insects are carefully maintained.
2. Newts
Newts are close relatives of salamanders. Some live in water, others spend time on land too.
Newts can release toxins from their skin, so they shouldn’t be handled often. Some need tanks with both land and water.
Popular pet newts include eastern newts and Japanese fire belly newts. Each kind has its own care needs you’ll need to learn.
Advanced and Specialized Salamanders
Some salamanders are rarely kept as pets because of their size, rarity, or delicate needs.
These species are better for experts or institutions.
1. Hellbenders
Hellbenders are giant aquatic salamanders that can grow over two feet long. They need very cool, oxygen-rich water and huge tanks.
Many places protect them, and owning one usually requires a permit.
2. Cave Salamanders
Cave salamanders need cool, very humid conditions all the time. They are sensitive to light, heat, and changes in air quality.
Most cave salamanders are rare or endangered, and collecting them is often illegal.
3. Tropical Salamanders
Tropical salamanders are sometimes sold by exotic pet sellers, but they’re hard to care for. They need precise temperature and moisture.
Many live short lives in tanks because their needs are often misunderstood.
Why Not All Salamanders Make Good Pets
Salamanders depend on their environment to survive. Their soft, moist skin absorbs water and oxygen. This makes them sensitive to dry air, heat, and even human touch.
In the wild, they hide from sunlight, drink through their skin, and find small insects and worms to eat. Many salamanders don’t adapt well to tanks.
If the tank is too dry or too warm, they can get sick or die. Wild-caught salamanders may refuse food, hide constantly, or get stressed.
What to Know Before Getting a Pet Salamander
Even species that do well in tanks need special care:
- Temperature: Most salamanders need cool environments between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Humidity: Their skin must stay moist. Dry air can make them sick.
- Tank setup: Some need land with damp soil, others need full water tanks. Know your species.
- Handling: Salamanders absorb things through their skin. Oils, soap, or chemicals on your hands can hurt them.
- Feeding: They eat live or frozen insects and worms. You must be comfortable with this.
- Legal rules: Some species are protected or restricted. Always check your local laws.
Where to Get a Pet Salamander
Get salamanders from trustworthy breeders or stores that follow safe, legal practices. Don’t take wild salamanders.
Wild populations are small and fragile, and taking them can be illegal. Captive-bred salamanders are healthier, less stressed, and adapt better to life in tanks.
How Long Do Salamanders Live as Pets?
Lifespan depends on the species and care:
- Axolotls: 10–15 years or more
- Tiger salamanders: 10–20 years
- Fire salamanders: up to 20 years
- Marbled salamanders: 6–10 years
Good food, clean conditions, and stable temperatures help them live longer, healthier lives.
Can Salamanders Be Handled?
Most salamanders shouldn’t be handled unless needed. Their skin is delicate and absorbs water, oxygen, and anything on your hands.
Touching them can cause stress, skin damage, or illness.
If you need to move a salamander, use clean, wet hands or a soft container. Never hold them in the air or touch them with dry hands.
Larger salamanders, like tiger salamanders, can tolerate brief gentle handling, but it should still be rare.
Conclusion
Many salamanders can make rewarding pets if you learn how to care for them. Fire salamanders, tiger salamanders, and axolotls are good beginner choices.
More advanced species, like red-backed salamanders, newts, and tropical types, need extra care. Always check laws, choose captive-bred animals, and research each species carefully.
With the right setup and regular care, salamanders can live long, healthy lives in a home.
Giving them safe, natural-like environments helps them thrive and lets you enjoy the amazing world of salamanders up close.
Hi, my name is Ezra Mushala, i have been interested animals all my life. I am the main author and editor here at snakeinformer.com.