What is the scientific name of the Tiger Salamander?

The scientific name of the Tiger Salamander is Ambystoma tigrinum.

What are other common names for the Tiger Salamander?

The Tiger Salamander is also known as Mole Salamander.

Where are Tiger Salamanders native to?

Tiger Salamanders are native to United States and Atlantic coast from New York down to Florida.

How big do Tiger Salamanders get?

Adult Tiger Salamanders typically reach 8-11 inches.

How long do Tiger Salamanders live?

Tiger Salamanders live about 15 years with proper care.

What temperatures does a Tiger Salamander need?

Recommended temperatures for a Tiger Salamander: 60°F cool side, 65-70°F warm side, and No basking spot.

What humidity does a Tiger Salamander need?

Tiger Salamanders need 70-80% humidity.

Do Tiger Salamanders need UVB lighting?

UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits Tiger Salamanders. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.

What size enclosure does a Tiger Salamander need?

Recommended enclosure sizes for a Tiger Salamander: Young/Sub-Adult: 18”x18”x12”; Adult: 24”x18”x12” (minimum), 36”x18’x12” (active/larger adult). Always base adult size enclosure off of adult size.

What do Tiger Salamanders eat?

Tiger Salamanders eat: Carnivorous; Insects.

Are Tiger Salamanders good for beginners?

Tiger Salamanders are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Intermediate for keeper experience.

Are Tiger Salamanders nocturnal or diurnal?

Tiger Salamanders are nocturnal (active at night).

What is Tiger Salamander behavior like?

Common Tiger Salamander behavior traits: Look, don’t handle pet; Bold personalities; Require live bugs to be moving for feeding; High metabolism; Aggressive eaters, so use caution feeding when housing multiples; Need larger body of water for breeding.

Do Tiger Salamanders lay eggs?

Yes. Tiger Salamanders are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.

How many eggs does a Tiger Salamander lay?

A Tiger Salamander clutch is typically about 30-100 eggs.

How long do Tiger Salamander eggs take to hatch?

Tiger Salamander eggs typically incubate for about 12-15 days before hatching.

What is the best substrate for adult Tiger Salamanders?

Recommended substrates for adult Tiger Salamanders: ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use and TropicalBase Terrarium Mix; Bioactive Ready to Use.

What is the best enclosure for a Tiger Salamander?

Recommended enclosures for Tiger Salamanders by age. Juvenile: HabiStat 24" Glass Terrariums. Sub-adult: HabiStat 18" Glass Terrariums. Adult: Bio Series Waterscape Vivarium, 36" Sliding Door Enclosure.

What lighting products are best for a Tiger Salamander?

Recommended lighting products for Tiger Salamanders: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting.

Is there a complete habitat bundle for Tiger Salamanders?

Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for Tiger Salamanders: Adult Tiger Salamander Bundle.

Tiger Salamander

Common Name(s)	Tiger Salamander Mole Salamander
Scientific Name	Ambystoma tigrinum
Behavior	Nocturnal (active during night) Look, don’t handle pet Bold personalities Require live bugs to be moving for feeding High metabolism Aggressive eaters, so use caution feeding when housing multiples Need larger body of water for breeding
Reproduction	Oviparous (Egg Layer) Clutch size: ~30-100 Incubation: ~12-15 days 4-6 months before tail starts forming into legs
Lifespan	~15 years
Temperatures	60°F cool side 65-70°F warm side No basking spot
Humidity	70-80%
Lighting	UVA/UVB benefits animal
Size	8-11 inches
Enclosure Recommendations	Young/Sub-Adult: 18”x18”x12” Adult: 24”x18”x12” (minimum) 36”x18’x12” (active/larger adult) Always base adult size enclosure off of adult size.
Experience Level	Intermediate Salamander *Parents should always be involved caring for any pet, until the child is 18 yrs.
Diet	Carnivorous Insects

Filter by age:

Best Bundles for Adult Tiger Salamanders

Adult Tiger Salamander Bundle

Best Substrates for Adult Tiger Salamanders

ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

TropicalBase Terrarium Mix; Bioactive Ready to Use: 24 Quart

Best Enclosures for Adult Tiger Salamanders

36" Bio Series Waterscape Vivarium (36x18) - 50 Gallon: Default Title

Best Lighting Products for Adult Tiger Salamanders

Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting: LumenIZE® Smart UVB Kit / 36"

Best Substrates for Subadult Tiger Salamanders

TropicalBase Terrarium Mix; Bioactive Ready to Use: 24 Quart

Best Enclosures for Subadult Tiger Salamanders

HabiStat 18" Glass Terrariums: 18x18x18, 25 Gallon Terrarium

Best Lighting Products for Subadult Tiger Salamanders

Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting: LumenIZE® Smart UVB Kit / 24"

Tiger Salamanders, scientifically known as Ambystoma tigrinum, are among the largest terrestrial salamanders in North America, reaching lengths of up to 14 inches. Their name derives from their striking appearance, featuring bold, tiger-like yellow or greenish markings on a dark background. These patterns can vary significantly between individuals and populations, making each salamander unique. Tiger Salamanders are highly adaptable and can be found in a wide range of habitats, from forests and grasslands to marshes and agricultural fields. They spend much of their time underground in burrows, which they dig themselves or take over from other animals, emerging mainly during wet weather or at night to hunt.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Tiger Salamanders is their complex life cycle. They typically begin life as aquatic larvae in ponds and slow-moving streams, where they have external gills and a fin-like tail adapted for swimming. Some populations exhibit a form of paedomorphosis, where individuals retain their larval features and remain aquatic throughout their lives, while others metamorphose into terrestrial adults. This ability to remain flexible in their development is thought to be an adaptation to their often unpredictable environments. Additionally, Tiger Salamanders are known for their voracious appetites; both larvae and adults are opportunistic predators, feeding on a wide variety of prey, including insects, worms, small fish, and even other amphibians. Their adaptability, striking appearance, and interesting behaviors make Tiger Salamanders a fascinating subject of study and a favorite among herpetology enthusiasts.

Native Range

United States

Atlantic coast from New York down to Florida

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Our product line includes BabiChip, RediChip, TropicalBase, MicroChip, and ReptiEarth, so you can be sure to find the perfect tiger salamander bedding for your pet.

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Common Tiger Salamander ReptiChip Questions

: The scientific name of the Tiger Salamander is Ambystoma tigrinum.
: The Tiger Salamander is also known as Mole Salamander.
: Tiger Salamanders are native to United States and Atlantic coast from New York down to Florida.
: Adult Tiger Salamanders typically reach 8-11 inches.
: Tiger Salamanders live about 15 years with proper care.
: Recommended temperatures for a Tiger Salamander: 60°F cool side, 65-70°F warm side, and No basking spot.
: Tiger Salamanders need 70-80% humidity.
: UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits Tiger Salamanders. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.
: Recommended enclosure sizes for a Tiger Salamander: Young/Sub-Adult: 18”x18”x12”; Adult: 24”x18”x12” (minimum), 36”x18’x12” (active/larger adult). Always base adult size enclosure off of adult size.
: Tiger Salamanders eat: Carnivorous; Insects.
: Tiger Salamanders are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Intermediate for keeper experience.
: Tiger Salamanders are nocturnal (active at night).
: Common Tiger Salamander behavior traits: Look, don’t handle pet; Bold personalities; Require live bugs to be moving for feeding; High metabolism; Aggressive eaters, so use caution feeding when housing multiples; Need larger body of water for breeding.
: Yes. Tiger Salamanders are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.
: A Tiger Salamander clutch is typically about 30-100 eggs.
: Tiger Salamander eggs typically incubate for about 12-15 days before hatching.
: Recommended substrates for juvenile Tiger Salamanders: TropicalBase Terrarium Mix; Bioactive Ready to Use and ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for sub-adult Tiger Salamanders: TropicalBase Terrarium Mix; Bioactive Ready to Use and ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for adult Tiger Salamanders: ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use and TropicalBase Terrarium Mix; Bioactive Ready to Use.
: Recommended enclosures for Tiger Salamanders by age. Juvenile: HabiStat 24" Glass Terrariums. Sub-adult: HabiStat 18" Glass Terrariums. Adult: Bio Series Waterscape Vivarium, 36" Sliding Door Enclosure.
: Recommended lighting products for Tiger Salamanders: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting.
: Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for Tiger Salamanders: Adult Tiger Salamander Bundle.