Amphibian · Salamander
Red-backed salamander care guide
Plethodon cinereus
The red-backed salamander is a intermediate-level salamander from Eastern North America incl. southern Canada. Adults reach 6–12 cm and live 10+ years in captivity. Lungless and breathes through its skin: never let it dry out or warm up. Captive-bred only.
- Enclosure 30 × 30 × 30 cm
- Temp 12–20°C, keep cool
- Humidity 70–90%
How much does a red-backed salamander cost in Canada?
Red-backed salamander quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 6–12 cm
- Lifespan
- 10+ years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Eastern North America incl. southern Canada
- Minimum enclosure
- 30 × 30 × 30 cm (12 × 12 × 12 in, ≈ 7 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
- 70–90%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Insectivore – springtails, fruit flies, small worms, pinhead crickets
- Bioactive style
- Terrestrial amphibian
Red-backed salamander enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 30 × 30 × 30 cm (12 × 12 × 12 inches). Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a terrestrial amphibian bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls3 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 red-backed salamander eat?
Insectivore – springtails, fruit flies, small worms, pinhead crickets. Feed small insects every 2–3 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Fragile; hands-off.
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 red-backed salamander bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 30 × 30 cm).
Red-backed salamander FAQ
Is the red-backed salamander good for beginners?
The red-backed salamander is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Fragile; hands-off.
What size enclosure does a red-backed salamander need?
At least 30 × 30 × 30 cm (about 12 × 12 × 12 inches, roughly 7 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a red-backed salamander cost in Canada?
Typically $20–40 CAD to buy, about $230–440 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $60–120 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a red-backed salamander need?
Temperature: 12–20°C, keep cool. Humidity: 70–90%.
What does a red-backed salamander eat?
Insectivore – springtails, fruit flies, small worms, pinhead crickets. Feed small insects 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.