Amphibian · Salamander
Arboreal salamander care guide
Aneides lugubris
The arboreal salamander is a advanced-level salamander from Coastal California, northwestern Baja California. Adults reach 11–18 cm and live 10–20 years in captivity. A climbing lungless salamander: cork bark stacks and hollow logs in a cool, humid setup.
- Enclosure 45 × 30 × 45 cm
- Temp 12–20°C, keep cool
- Humidity 70–90%
How much does a arboreal salamander cost in Canada?
Arboreal salamander quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 11–18 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–20 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Coastal California, northwestern Baja California
- Minimum enclosure
- 45 × 30 × 45 cm (18 × 12 × 18 in, ≈ 16 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- 12–20°C, keep cool
- Humidity
- 70–90%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, small roaches, worms
- Bioactive style
- Terrestrial amphibian
Arboreal salamander enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 45 × 30 × 45 cm (18 × 12 × 18 inches). Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a terrestrial amphibian bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix10 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls4 cm
Burrowing amphibians need soft, moist soil they can dig into – keep it damp, never waterlogged, and provide a shallow water dish.
Temperature: 12–20°C, keep cool. Humidity: 70–90%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a arboreal salamander eat?
Insectivore – crickets, small roaches, worms. Feed every 2–3 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Hands-off; can bite.
Health watch: Overheating and dehydration.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check temperature (many salamanders need it cool) and keep the water dish clean.
Weekly
- Feed; remove uneaten food.
- Moisten soil if the surface dries; check the drainage layer.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter; check crew numbers.
Yearly
- Refresh the top of the soil.
Recommended for a arboreal salamander bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 30 × 45 cm).
Arboreal salamander FAQ
Is the arboreal salamander good for beginners?
The arboreal salamander is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Hands-off; can bite.
What size enclosure does a arboreal salamander need?
At least 45 × 30 × 45 cm (about 18 × 12 × 18 inches, roughly 16 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a arboreal salamander cost in Canada?
Typically $60–120 CAD to buy, about $290–530 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $60–120 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a arboreal salamander need?
Temperature: 12–20°C, keep cool. Humidity: 70–90%.
What does a arboreal salamander eat?
Insectivore – crickets, small roaches, worms. Feed every 2–3 days.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.