
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Ambystoma opacum
A small mole salamander of the eastern United States. Bold white to grey bands cross a black body; the bands are bright white in males and greyer in females. It lives under leaf litter and fallen logs.
Ambystoma opacum is a mole salamander of damp woodland in the eastern United States. Adults reach about 11 cm, small for the genus, and carry bold white to grey bands across a black body. The bands are bright white in males and greyer in females, and males show more white overall. Juveniles begin with white flecks that develop into bands. Its breeding is unusual: whereas most relatives spawn in water after flooding, this species lays on land in the dry basin of a seasonal pond before the autumn rains, and the female guards the eggs until rising water triggers hatching. It is a poor burrower, so provide ready-made hides in captivity. Hold it at 18-24 C and never for long above 30 C. It is a weak swimmer, so offer only a shallow water dish rather than a deep pool.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Marbled Salamander lives 8-12 years.
The Marbled Salamander grows to About 11cm.
The ideal temperature for the Marbled Salamander is 18〜24℃.
Origin
Eastern United States (southern New England to northern Florida, west to Illinois and Texas)
Lifespan
8-12 years
Sources: Caudata Culture: Ambystoma opacum / Animal Diversity Web: Ambystoma opacum / Wikipedia (English)
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Ambystoma opacum (Gravenhorst, 1807)
Synonyms: Salamandra opaca Gravenhorst, 1807, Salamandra fasciata Green, 1818, Amblystoma opacum (Gravenhorst, 1807)
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Size
About 11cm
Temperature
18〜24℃
Humidity
40〜70%
Crickets, waxworms and small insects
Hold a steady 18-24 C. Extended exposure above 30 C can be fatal, so keep it in a cool air-conditioned room. Keep the substrate damp but never waterlogged.
It burrows poorly, so use a shallow substrate with several slanted hides of bark or stone. It swims badly, so provide a shallow dish rather than a deep pool. Use a tight-fitting lid.
Two-week-old crickets and waxworms form the staple. Clean the enclosure the day after feeding and remove uneaten food to prevent fouling.
Nocturnal and secretive. It can be kept singly or in small groups of similar-sized animals. It moves slowly and shows little aggression.
It has skin poison glands, so wash your hands after handling. When rearing larvae keep the water above pH 6.5, as lower values have been reported to inhibit growth.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Marbled Salamander is 18〜24℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Marbled Salamander is 8-12 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Marbled Salamander typically reaches About 11cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Marbled Salamander feeds on: Crickets, waxworms and small insects. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Marbled Salamander varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026