Ask A Scientist© Zoology Archive

name       scott
age        15

Question - i would like to know what waterdogs eat? and habitat and
the water temperature.

Scott,
If by waterdog you mean the large aquatic salamander, Necturus, also known
as a mud puppie, they are carnivorous and therefore will eat worms, small
fish, insect larvae and other little organisms that come within their reach.
Keep them in a tank as you would a large fish with aquatic plants and places
to hide. Room temperature should be fine for keeping them happy but be sure
that you use adequately conditioned water since chlorinated tap water can
kill most pond-adapted organisms. Pond water would probably be best if you
have access to it, and it should be changed occasionally, but try to handle
the animal as little as possible and be careful not to injure its external
gills.
CED
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