Rather confused about my C. orientalis

[Izzdelatorre98]

Hi,
I have had my C. orientalis for two months. I am slightly confused about what age group he is in. He is slightly under 2 inches (snout to tail) and hates water deeper than an inch which leads me to believe he is a juvenile. But, his cloaca is swollen enough for me to tell that he is a male. Lately, he hasn't been eating a lot and has been shedding (not in flakes, his entire body). Could this mean he is transitioning into an adult? Thanks in advance

Izzy

 

[michael]

Is it c.b. or w.c.? If it is sexable it would have to be an adult. The cloaca could be swollen from disease. If it is w.c. it was probably stressed from importing. C. orientalis are known vectors for many diseases including salamander chytrid. Be sure to quarantine it. I would keep it in shallow water or offer it a float to come out of the water on.

Shedding is normal for salamanders. Excessive shedding can be a sign of disease.

 

[Asevernnnn]

Males are usually a lot smaller than females, mine are probably barely over 2', if they're wild caught its possible that its not adapted to the water anymore due to stress from being imported