Mexican salamanders, like other amphibians, cannot survive without water for their entire lifetime. Water is essential for various life stages and processes, including:
- Larval Development: Salamanders begin as aquatic larvae, relying entirely on water to develop and grow.
- Respiration: Their skin plays a crucial role in respiration, allowing them to breathe and excrete waste. This process requires moisture to work effectively.
- Hydration: Salamanders need water or a moist environment to maintain hydration, as they cannot solely rely on food for their water needs.
- Reproduction: Salamanders typically return to water to breed and lay their eggs, which require a watery environment to develop.
- Habitat: Many salamander species prefer damp habitats, such as marshes, ponds, or moist forests, for optimal survival.
Attempting to keep salamanders completely without water would be detrimental to their health and survival. Ensuring access to a moist environment or a water source is essential for proper care.