Like other salamanders, the Fire Salamander (Salamandra salamandra)needs a humid environment. Being amphibious, the Fire Salamander spends its life both in water and on land and enjoys hiding in fallen logs. These little guys are beautiful and known for their bright aand varying colors. Is a fire salamander right for you?
How They Got Their Name
Thought to have been created from fire in greek mythology, Fire Salamanders weren’t born of fire, but do have an interesting relationship with it. Fire Salamanders have the ability to coat their bodies in a layer of a mucous secretion that protects their skin from the flames. They are able to walk through fire and avoid being burnt up in a log in the forest because of this mucous layer.
Housing Requirements
An aquarium will do nicely and help to hold in moisture. Moss will also help retain water and create a more natural environment for your Fire Salamander. Provide a shallow container that is easy for your Fire Salamander to crawl into and a half log, stones, or other natural objects to hide under.
They are most active at night but will come out of hiding on rainy days in the wild. Misting the enclosure is a good way to keep the relative humidity high and give you a better look at your Fire Salamander.
How Long Do They Live?
Fire Salamanders can get as long as 8 inches and can live as long as 50 years! This makes them a long commitment pet.
Where Are They From?
Fire Salamanders are European amphibians, found mainly in the central and southern parts of Europe. There are many subspecies of the Fire Salamander that are found throughout Germany, Poland, Hungary and other European countries. All of these subspecies are ovoviviparous except for two that are viviparous.
Males Vs. Females
Male and female Fire Salamanders look identical except during their breeding season. A gland at the male's vent, or rear end, swells to develop a sperm packet.
What Do They Look Like?
Fire Salamanders are mainly black with yellow spots or stripes and will sometimes be almost entirely black or have red or orange colorations instead of yellow. The many subspecies have varying patterns.
Are They Poisonous to Humans?
Fire Salamanders have glands that secrete Samandrin. These glands are usually located in the colored areas of the skin and the secretions cause convulsions and hyperventilation in all vertebrates. It is unknown how dangerous these secretions are to humans, so it is best to wear disposable gloves when handling to protect you and the skin of the Fire Salamander.
