Western lesser siren

[aidenb]

i just picked up a 6" western lesser siren (at least thats what i think it is). I keep seeing that they get between 7" and 20" long, is there any way to tell how big it will be, i was sort of hoping it would get 20"

 

[Noto]

Depends which population it's from, as well as nutrition and individual genetic variation. Here in Tennessee, adults are usually 14-18" long. Texas populations get bigger, up to 24". All the western lesser sirens will get over 12"; only the eastern lessers are likely to stay smaller than that.

 

[aidenb]

Do you have any pics of the different variations of them that you could post for me to see?

 

[Noto]

My pics are all of my local populations, but you really can't tell by coloration or overall appearance anyways. Find out where the critter was collected if possible. Otherwise, count the costal grooves between the front legs and the vent.

 

[aidenb]

I'll count the grooves tomorrow, what numbers mean what?

 

[aidenb]

Also, what kind of growth rate do you normally see on these guys.

 

[Noto]

My guys were near adult size when I got them and I tend to feed lightly, so they have grown rather slowly. Studies of wild sirens have found that they grow to 8-10" (and reach sexual maturity) by age two; they probably slow down after that.