>>I have a tiger salamander larvae that is almost ready to leave the water. He has the tiniest bit of gill stalk left and I really have no idea how he is managing to still breath in the water, so far he isn't trying to approach the surface at all.



That is all it takes, a tiny bit of gill. Besides, amphibians can breathe through their skin as well. Have you watched aquatic newts? They don't have gills, yet all they need is to come up to the surface to release an air bubble once in a while.



>>I've got his new terrestrial tank all set up and there is a big water dish in it, should I put him in the dish or just leave him in his water tank?

>>He does have a rock he can crawl onto in his water tank but I still worry about him being able to get out, I don't want him to drown.



I assume that he is already transformed. In general, just provide a rock and let the salamander get out onto the rock. When he does, you can transfer him to a terrestrial habitat. In nature, I have seen many young tiger salamanders migrate away from the water while they still have a gill stub, especially when the pond is about to dry up completely. It is apparently an adaptation to breeding in temporary ponds: get out before it is too late. Those that do may survive and breed. Those that don't will become fertilizer for the pond.

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