Salamanders are some of the coolest little creatures out there. They look like a mix between lizards and frogs, but they’re actually amphibians. If you’re here, you’re probably curious about what these weird but awesome animals eat. Whether you saw one in the wild or are thinking about getting one as a pet, I’ve got you covered.
Let’s dive into the world of salamander snacks.
Table of Contents
What Do Salamanders Eat in the Wild?
In the wild, salamanders are hunters. They’re not chasing down prey like a lion or something, but they do eat live food. They usually eat:
- Insects (like crickets, flies, and beetles)
- Worms (earthworms are a favorite)
- Slugs and snails
- Small crustaceans
- Spiders
- Sometimes tiny fish or tadpoles (depending on the species)
Basically, if it’s small, wriggly, and alive, a salamander might try to eat it.
What Do Pet Salamanders Eat?
If you have a salamander or are thinking about getting one, you’ll need to feed it similar stuff to what it eats in the wild. Most pet owners feed their salamanders:
- Crickets (you can get them at pet stores)
- Mealworms
- Waxworms
- Earthworms (like from bait shops or your backyard if it’s clean)
- Tiny roaches (dubia roaches work great)
Make sure the food is alive as they dont usually go for dead or dried food. They want that movement to trigger their hunting instincts.
Also, dusting the bugs with a calcium or vitamin supplement once a week is a good idea, especially for young or growing salamanders.
Do All Salamanders Eat the Same Things?
Nope! There are two main types: aquatic and terrestrial.
- Aquatic salamanders (like the axolotl) mostly eat underwater bugs, small fish, and worms.
- Land salamanders go for bugs, worms, and sometimes small animals they can catch.
You always want to look up your specific salamander species to make sure you’re giving it the right food.
How Often Do You Feed a Salamander?
It depends on the size and age.
- Young salamanders eat almost every day.
- Adults usually eat 2–3 times a week.
A good rule of thumb is: if they’re still active and hungry, feed them. But don’t overdo it as they can get overweight just like any pet.
Can Salamanders Eat Fruits or Veggies?
Short answer: No.
Salamanders are carnivores. They don’t eat plants. Their bodies are made to digest meat, like insects and worms. Giving them fruits or vegetables can actually harm them.
FAQs About Salamander Diets
Can salamanders eat ants?
Not really recommended. Ants can bite and have acid that might harm the salamander.
Do salamanders drink water?
They actually absorb water through their skin! So make sure their environment is humid or has clean, shallow water.
Can I feed my salamander cooked meat?
Nope. Cooked food is not natural for them. Stick to live insects and worms.
What’s the best food for a baby salamander?
Tiny insects like fruit flies or pinhead crickets are best. Baby salamanders have tiny mouths, so keep the food small.
Do salamanders eat each other?
Sometimes, yes. Especially if one is way smaller than the other. It’s not super common, but it does happen.
Salamanders are low-key amazing, but they do need the right diet to stay healthy. If you’re keeping one as a pet, just remember: live bugs, clean water, and no weird snacks. Keep it simple, and your little buddy will be just fine.
