Hi Everyone!

I'm new to this forum and new to keeping salamanders. My Husband brought home an adult Cave Salamander (Eurycea Lucifuga) which was rescued from a construction site. It was found about 3 1/2 to 4 feet under ground clinging onto some large rocks. I don't know very much about what it needs and would appreciate any information any of you can give. I've had this salamander for a week, it's in a 10 gallon tank with aquarium gravel bottom and a large rock with some moist beaked moss on top. I have a water dish on one side and using spring water. I've fed him a few earthworms which he ate rather quickly. I would like to know what the best set up would be, if I should have any kind of lighting or heating ( I keep my house temperature at a constant 71 degrees Fareinheit) I'm using a screen lid with cling wrap over it, turned back on a corner for humidity and air flow, do I need to mist the tank, what is the best kind of substrate and how often I need to do a deep clean....any information will be appreciated! I would also like to see any tank setups for this species so I can get some ideas. Thank You! Cherokee

Wow, It's been 2 days, I thought someone would welcome me or at least say hi.
My apologies if I have offended everyone.

Oh no, not at all!

Apologies for the oversight, it was not intentional.

Welcome to the site!

If you post to the 'Newt and Salamander Help' section of the forum, I'm sure members will come to your assistance, and offer advice.

Hey Cherokee,

I would set the tank of with a bunch of medium sized rocks that would give the salamander lots of nooks and crannies to hide in. Set the rocks in the tank with no substrate and add about a half an inch of water to the tank. Then I would cover a few of the rocks with sheet moss, for more added cover and aid in keeping the humidity up.

As for temperatures, 71F is probably close to the upper limit of what they can safely tolerate. Getting it to around 66-68F would be great. With that being said you will not need lighting, as this just adds more heat to the equation.

Here is a picture of my setup for Eurycea longicauda:

From what I've seen of their natural habitat, it doesn't have to be elaborate, but the temperature is key as has been pointed out. 71 F is alright but I wouldn't let it get any warmer or you'll lose the little tyke. Good luck, and welcome to the forum.

Thank you all!

Greatwtehunter, Thanks for the picture, that's a nice setup, I have him in just substrate right now, I will be changing that, thanks to you!
Anyhow, this is a picture of "Slick"

That's a beautiful animal!

Very nice. I really like these guys - I saw my first one ever in person last weekend. What state do you live in?

I live in Oklahoma, I looked them up and didn't find anything about them being protected, but if I do find anything about that, I will release him near where he was found. I want to keep him, but I also feel very guilty about it, as I'm a crazy animal lover and feel that they should be left in the wild.

As far as setup goes, do I need some kind of filter for 1/2 an inch of water or not? How often should I replace the water?

Right now he is being very difficult to feed, as when he sees me he hides and won't take anything from my hand, should I just toss in a few crickets? what do you all do in the winter months?