Question: HELP! I just found out I have a tiger salamander and not an axolotl

[CrAwLTWKing]

So, I just joined this site and posted pics of my pet Crawl the Warrior King, and everyone jumped on saying how it was a Tiger and not an Axolotl. I am shocked, first of all. Cause I thought it was an axolotl, therefor I have been reading up on them and the housing and life span and what not. Now what do I do? I read some things on here about tiger salamanders, but I am still confused. I guess he( well now I dont know if its a he or she) is only a baby now and will morph later? Oh no dont know what I got myself into...right now I have had him for 2 months and when I bought him the guys said he was only a couple months old, but that he was a male axolotl with a tiger print. So how much longer do I have till he is "morphed" and how long do they live for. and how long/big is it gonna get. and do I need to take all the water out? or leave a little? I dont know what to do....
Any thoughts please help!
Thanks Christine

 

[CrAwLTWKing]

Thank you for your input! I needed it. The thing is i was up all night reading baout this and it seems more complicated to clean out the tank....instead of just filtering the water and water changes you would have to replace the whole amount of dirt weekly? Is this true thats alot of dirt! I am still kinda confused as to how to keep the tank clean and smell free if there is dirt in there and his waste.

 

[Shizeric]

Tiger Salamanders tend to burrow, so a substrate that allows this behavior is best. Coconut fiber is one of the best substrates for this, and should be changed every fews months, not weekly. Just make sure to remove waste and uneaten food and there shouldn't be any odor issues.

"More natural substrates include moist topsoil, coconut fiber bedding, or commercially available "forest floor" soil mixes. Soil should be changed every one to two months, and feces removed daily. "

 

[CrAwLTWKing]

ok thanks...what about sand? also I read that you are not suppose to handle them, yet I see all these pics of them in peoples hands.
Sorry to be a pain, but I appreciate your help! :wacko:

 

[Azhael]

Sand is not suitable. Although a small amount mixed with the soil is not a bad idea.

You are right, you really should avoid handling a salamander unless absolutely unavoidable. Their skin is very permeable and offers little protection, so it´s easily harmed. Contact stresses them and is potentially dangerous. IF you ever have to handle it....make sure you have no creams or products on your hands and only touch it with your hands wet.

 

[CrAwLTWKing]

ok thanks. but I have had him for two motnths and when I bought him the guys said he was a couple months old....So if he is morphing now...how long does that process take? and is there some tht dont morph all the way? Like if he is a hybrid or subspecies? Could I be waiting for a long time? Right now I just have all water but with two big platform rocks so he can get out if he wants. Is this ok until his gills disappear? Or if they dont completly disappear, is it ok to keep the water as is with a dry area?
Thanks for all of everyone's thoughts!

 

[CrAwLTWKing]

thanks....i was reading about tiger salamanders that were bred with axolotls and maybe this is what mine is...I am not sure of course, but i dont see signs of morphing. He's back down to the botton of the tank and still eating just fine, and his gills look longer and more hairy (probably not the right word to use)
the two rock things i have in there are both at an angle like a ramp, half in the water and half out, and one is at an angle in the corner with just the bottom in the water....so he has plenty of options to climb out, or walk out.

 

[Kaysie]

Tigers can take rarely take more than 1 year to morph. If it's habitat is adequate and food is plentiful, it may not morph right away. In the wild, morphing is usually triggered by rising temperatures and falling water levels in vernal ponds.

I HIGHLY doubt your tiger is a hybrid with an axolotl. This pairing is not common, especially in the US.