Went to a petshop and saw some of what I think are Necturus maculosus. All are about 12" long, however the guy there says that one is even turning into a salamander because he's losing his gills. Well, looking at him I can see that his mouth form is changing, he's getting some dark spots, and that his gills look to be gone. But don't all mudpuppies keep their gills? Because of his large size I'm just not sure of what he really is. I've seen Eastern Tiger sallies metamorph from waterdogs, and when they've changed they were only probably 5" long at the time. I've also read where gills on mudpuppies can vary in size due to water conditions, however I don't see any left on the one; it has me wondering what kind of mudpuppy or salamander he is.
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Mudpuppy question
Turtasal
Feb 23, 2005 08:13 PM
Replies (3)
EdK
Feb 23, 2005 10:26 PM
If they are transforming it is not a mudpuppy.
They are probably one of the tiger salamander larva.
Ed
Feb 25, 2005 05:39 PM
I concur with Ed's assessment ... Mudpuppy's as a species don't 'morph' ... they are an aqautic salamander throughout their lives. I've found that the terms 'mudpuppy' and 'waterdog' are often used interchangably by some shops and press. It's warming to know that your salesperson tried to use the proper species name for 'mudpuppy', but I have to wonder if the misdiagnosis was driven by an innocent mis-interpretation of what he had, or the wish to sell you something rarer than Ambystoma larva. Mudpuppy's will be somewhat more difficult to care for, requiring as they do "large" tanks with brisk, cool/cold water.
Cheers
Wes
(http://pinicola.ca/mudpup1.htm)
http://pinicola.ca/mudpup1.htm
Turtasal
Mar 02, 2005 12:33 AM
The one that I was concerned about ended up being a tiger sal. Thankfully, after I talked to the manager, he moved him to a tank with at least half land/half water. I guess we can't have everything, but I feel that this was a start. He admitted that he was mistakingly shipped with the mudpuppies. After seeing these guys together, I saw real differences. The mudpuppies had smaller eyes, different tails, and low and behold four rounded toes on each paw. The tiger had four pointed toes on both front paws and five pointed toes on the back paws. The colorings were also different. Of course the guy still argued the point and said that the mudpuppies will eventually lose their gills.I'm sure that he also doesn't offer a prospecive caretaker the IMPORTANT info on how large those mudpups will get as adults. sigh...It's hard being kind when they start this stuff.Thanks SO much with both responses!
