Just Curious.

[ozarkhellbender]

Hey,

Out of curiosity, I was wondering if there was any way to accelerate development or induce metamorphosis in larval plethodontids. I know that some species, such as Eurycea spelaea, can spend 3-5 years in the larval stage.

Thanks,
Thomas

 

[Greatwtehunter]

Stream species will be harder to induce metamorphosis in as they rely on age/maturation more than outside influences. However, with that being said, higher temperatures have been shown to have some effects on decreasing the amount of time it takes to metamorphose.

 

[ozarkhellbender]

I see, very interesting, thank you. Could making changes to their diet, such as increasing the amount of fat, also have an effect on the duration of the larval stage?

Thanks,
Thomas

 

[taherman]

Not sure about fat, but increasing the amount of food will speed development. You have to be careful with increased temps, as many species are adapted to cooler temps and it seems that going outside their preferred range may hinder development.

Keeping them in a constant supply of food, such as a tank with established blackworms, ostracods, copepods, etc really does wonders.