Amphibian · Salamander
Long-tailed salamander care guide
Eurycea longicauda
The long-tailed salamander is a intermediate-level salamander from Eastern USA. Adults reach 10–20 cm and live 8–12 years in captivity. Lungless: keep cool and wet with moss, rocks and a shallow water dish.
- Enclosure 45 × 30 × 30 cm
- Temp 12–20°C, keep cool
- Humidity 80–100%
How much does a long-tailed salamander cost in Canada?
Long-tailed salamander quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 10–20 cm
- Lifespan
- 8–12 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Eastern USA
- Minimum enclosure
- 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- 12–20°C, keep cool
- Humidity
- 80–100%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Insectivore – small crickets, worms, fruit flies
- Bioactive style
- Semi-aquatic (paludarium)
Long-tailed salamander enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 inches). Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a semi-aquatic (paludarium) bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls4 cm
Quantities assume about half the floor is land. The water half needs a filter and regular partial water changes.
Temperature: 12–20°C, keep cool. Humidity: 80–100%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a long-tailed salamander eat?
Insectivore – small crickets, worms, fruit flies. Feed every 2–3 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Fragile; hands-off.
Health watch: Overheating and dehydration.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check water and air temperature; feed according to species.
Weekly
- Change 20–30% of the water with dechlorinated water.
- Rinse filter sponge in old tank water (never tap water) as needed.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter on land; prune plants at the waterline.
Yearly
- Service the pump/filter fully.
Recommended for a long-tailed salamander bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 30 × 30 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 4 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 8 cm
Almond Leaves Dried 15/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Malaysian Drift Wood
Bridges water and land; easy exit from the water
Cork Bark Flats
Shelter on the land section
Long-tailed salamander FAQ
Is the long-tailed salamander good for beginners?
The long-tailed salamander is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Fragile; hands-off.
What size enclosure does a long-tailed salamander need?
At least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (about 18 × 12 × 12 inches, roughly 11 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a long-tailed salamander cost in Canada?
Typically $30–60 CAD to buy, about $270–490 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $60–120 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a long-tailed salamander need?
Temperature: 12–20°C, keep cool. Humidity: 80–100%.
What does a long-tailed salamander eat?
Insectivore – small crickets, worms, fruit flies. 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.