Thanks for being such a great resource! Distinguishing between the different types of dwarf sirens may require knowing the origin of the animal as well as comparison of the color pattern to a … However, the tail, laterally compressed and equipped with a fin, renders them as powerful, agile swimmers. At these times, they dig into the mud and surround themselves with a cocoon made of dead skin cells. Research has taken me in pursuit of anacondas, Orinoco crocodiles and other animals in locales ranging from Venezuela’s llanos to Tortuguero’s beaches. It will most likely push beneath whatever cover is available, they do not climb, but no real way to hazard a guess as to location. A new Ranger comes to work here next week or so, and I am going to share your information with her. Unlike other salamanders, these amphibians have long, eel-like bodies. Best Dog Puzzle Toys. After a detour as a lawyer, I was hired as a Bronx Zoo animal keeper and was soon caring for gharials, goliath frogs, king cobras and everything in-between. Along with Axolotls, Hellbenders and certain others, Greater Sirens do not transform into a land dwelling adult form and retain larval characteristics such as external gills (they have lungs as well) and an aquatic lifestyle. I have it in a 10 gallon aquaria with a nice pump and filter unit. Large insects can also be offered..crickets, silkworms, roaches. This week I was off on TH and returning Fr, immediately checked on our charge. As protective measures against toxic skin secretions and to avoid cross contamination with diseases, disposable rubber gloves are available to all animal care staff. Now, after 20+ years with the Bronx Zoo, I am a consultant for several zoos and museums. Case Study #3 – Blog Analysis – COM 125: Social Media: […] Gecko Terrariums: Avoiding Impactions is writ... Case Study #3 – COM 125: Social Media: […] Crested Gecko Terrariums: Avoiding Impactions is w... Case Study #3 – Blog Analysis – Site Title: […] Crested Gecko Terrariums: Avoiding Impactions is w... thatpetblog: Hi snakie mom! Please keep me posted when you are able. Unlike most salamanders, they are quite vocal – producing loud “yelps” and other sounds when disturbed. I’ve known some that adjusted well, but have not run across any “picky eaters”. Care of amphiuma is well-established, and longevities of 20-30+ years are known, so I’m not sure why husbandry was not researched by folks primarily responsible for the animal…please feel free to have folks in charge post here for proper care info…they can email if professional whatever prevents posting on site (zoo folks often email rather than post, etc). Take note … (well, 2 actually) and my husband and I feel pretty strongly it is a Congo Eel and not a Siren. Thanks and sorry for the long post. Not to be confused with the creatures of Greek mythology, these Sirens are salamanders! With good care, lesser sirens can live for more than 14 years in captivity. We have her on a sand substrate with silk plants, a pvc tube, and other large hideouts. The Eel was still there, but I was obviously concerned. They are exceeded in length only by the Two-toed Amphiuma (also native to the USA) and the Japanese and Chinese Giant Salamanders. Hi Frank, thanks for all of your informative posts, it has been a great learning experience for a former reptile phob. The best way to house an adult is in a 100-gallon aquarium. This nocturnal species reaches a medium size and lays up to 300 eggs during breeding season. Please see my article on Mudpuppy Care below for further details on keeping large aquatic salamanders. Do you have a dilution and soaking amount that we should try? Best, Frank. Yes, they wander at night and are escape artists, be sure to secure top with screen clips or as best suited for your tank. She does use her tiny arms to try and assist her turns. Diet should be based on small whole fish (shiners, minnows best..goldfish ok on occasion but not often); earthworms, crayfish (I remove claws) if available, small whole shrimp on occasion. Thanks for your advice! My question is this: I have been feeding the Siren a large Pinky every couple of days…is this diet enough for him? By Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk . Very interesting. I’ve used methylene blue (article here) but am not experienced with H. solution…used often though, as I recall. Pl keep me posted, best, Frank. I tried another fresher in the later afternoon and he judged it, moved it around, let it rest on top of his head, but did not eat. I just wanted to tell you that they aren’t all vicious. Their long slender bodies are usually brown, dark gray, or greenish. As mentioned, pinkies are not appropriate as a steady, long term diet. Young and adults have feathery gills. Please let me know if you need any further information. Please let me know if you need more info on meth blue, or help in finding an experienced local vet. They have conspicuous external gills and four toes on each of the forelimbs. Thanks for being such a great resource! Played with his food, chomped on it and left it alone. Dim lighting by day followed by brighter lights at night may encourage daytime activity, but do this only if animal is feeding and otherwise adjusted to captivity. M. Marcel_h Candiru. Care Tip: This type of frog crops a poisonous skin ooze that can reason extreme distress to the eyes, mouths, secretion lining of the muzzle, or open scratches and scrapes. Their front limbs do not grow very large, but they remain fully functional. They used to be great eaters, always eating their night crawlers and krill. 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