Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

I've had my Tiger Salamander for 12 years. He has lived in a 40 gallon, half soil/ half water terrarium for the duration of his life. Today, I noticed his tail has a reddish, pink stripe appearing on the sides of the tail extending almost half-way up the tail. Also I have found a bunch of little bumps on him: one on his head, one above the eye area, and one on his tail. Are these signs of a bacteria infection (or worse) or just the markings of old age? He gets a diet of mealworms, crickets, brine shrimp, and tubifex worms...and is a little bit fat. His appetite is healthy and he is very responsive. He has no problems with his balance, and he is swimming normally in a low level of water. In July, I lost my African Clawed Frog to bloat,(I think). This frog shared the tank with him so I am a little worried. The water has been changed and I keep it clean. Can anyone here help me understand what these things might be?
Thanks!

I just saw this post featured on kingsnake's main page. I'm concerned that Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, i.e. chytrid fungus, is afflicting your tiger salamander, especially since it shared an enclosure with your African clawed frog. Your frog may have appeared to be bloated as fluid retention is often associated with chytrid. I'm just mentioning this due to experiences working with amphibians and Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. I've seen and heard symptoms (redness, bumps, bloating) similar to what you are describing. I'm just guessing from what you have heard, someone with more experience with amphibians can chime in here as I'm primarily a "lizard guy."

Is your salamander's skin peeling? Pay attention to any changes in behavior, skin condition(dryness, peeling, roughness), and movement. It sounds healthy right now, so I could be off.

No, his skin is not peeling, I just see a little redness with a textural change on the middle of his tail. The bumps are in separate places and are small and a little bluish. Thanks for the help by the way