The spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) is a very common species found in the eastern United States. They are found in open forests within close proximity of water. Most of their lives are spent underground. However, in the early spring they come out to mate. They are one of the earliest amphibians to mate in the spring. Spotted salamanders have a unique mating ritual. In the spring, usually with the onset of warm rains, they move at night in large groups to spawning sites such as ponds. Sometimes they have been known to cross over snow. They pair and spawn within a few days. The females then leave and do not return to spawn again that season. The same path is used over and over again for these migrations. The eggs are laid underwater in a large mass (approximately 7 cm in diameter) and are attached to twigs or plants. Development of the eggs takes about 4– 8 weeks. The larva then is about 1.3 cm long. After about 2– 4 months the larva develops into a juvenile (5 – 7 cm). Adults can grow to a maximum size of 25 cm long.
Habitat
Cover the bottom of a large aquarium with about 1⁄2″ of aquarium gravel, but be sure to rinse the gravel thoroughly before use. Then add flat stones or large flat pieces of tree bark and prop them up to provide hiding places for the salamanders. If you wish, you may also layer the bottom with soil and add plants, but be aware that this will make your specimen more difficult to find. Spray the aquarium with water every other day to keep the environment moist, and avoid direct sunlight to keep the tank from overheating. Clean the tank once a month. Be sure to keep the smaller and larger specimens separated as the larger ones may eat the smaller ones.
Feeding
Adults can be fed earthworms or soft-bodied insects such as crickets about once a week.
Keep a shallow bowl of water available. However, if the aquarium is moist enough, a water bowl may not be necessary. Change the water daily.
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