Beginner Newt?

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Kazzack

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I am new to the amphibian-keeping hobby, so I'm not sure what would be a good newt to get for a starter. I would prefer something fully/mostly aquatic, since I have a 40 gallon aquarium with a few rock islands set up already. Kaysie recommended Pleurodeles waltl/Ribbed Newts, but they don't seem to be easy to find (I hate New Jersey's amphibian sale laws), and I would prefer a little bit more color. I was thinking maybe some Paddle Tail newts, but I know they can be aggressive. One newt that I would love to have someday, but probably not for my first, would be a Himalayan Crocodile Newt. Any other recommendations for a beginner?
 
Crested newts were the second species I decided to own. I've always found them to be quite placid (not to mention hardy!) other than when they're eating: Caudata Culture Species Entry - Crested Triturus species

I, myself, keep a small group of T. Carnifex. They're currently fully aquatic but have a floating island which does get used.
 
Thanks! The crested newts look interesting, but I have a few questions:
1. The species entry mentions them being aquatic and terrestrial. Does that change with the season or do they just adapt to the tank set up or...?
2. Any ideas where I could get some? I know you live in the UK Dinky, but does anyone in the States have a reliable store to get newts and stuff in New Jersey/New York/Pennsylvania? I'm a little hesitant to order one online, especially in December.
 
Michael Shrom is in your neck of the woods and is almost always breeding beasties in his newt lair!
 
Kazzack said:
Thanks! The crested newts look interesting, but I have a few questions:
1. The species entry mentions them being aquatic and terrestrial. Does that change with the season or do they just adapt to the tank set up or...?
2. Any ideas where I could get some? I know you live in the UK Dinky, but does anyone in the States have a reliable store to get newts and stuff in New Jersey/New York/Pennsylvania? I'm a little hesitant to order one online, especially in December.
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Sorry for a late reply :eek: Mine are fully aquatic and are kept that way all year round! I don't know about near you but in my area I have a few reliable, trustworthy reptile (+ amphibian, invert, anything else weird and wonderful you can think of!) centers that keep most of their newts terrestrial - I may be biased as I'm friendly with the owners but hey, they take great care of the species they keep! This makes me think they're quite adaptable. I would have thought many breeders and/or hobbyists would keep this particular species fully aquatic from day 1 of newty life! But, nonetheless, I find it highly unlikely a somewhat terrestrial newt couldn't be gradually adapted to being aquatic.
 
Most people keep their cresteds aquatic, unless you plan on breeding. In that case, you may have to cycle them terrestrially for a few months.
 
Thanks for the help guys! I'll do some more research, but I think I'll get some cresteds. How many do you think I could house in a 40 gallon breeder? And will they uproot/eat/damage plants?
 
A bunch. They're relatively small.

They're not especially destructive, not like axolotls.
 
Alright, thanks everyone! I'll ask Mr Shrom if he can get any cresteds soon, and I'll get ready for some newts! :D
One more little question, I like to get some feeder (fat head) minnows in a tank before i fully set it up. Should I get some for a newt? Will newts eat them, or the other way around?
Again, Thanks for all the help! I'm looking forward to getting some new little additions to the zoo at my house :happy:
 
fat head minnows? are they a fish ? newts and fish is unfortunnely natural enemies so i would say it would not be a good ideá to mix 'em up :(

another easy kind of newt (if you live in the nordic/european part of the world atleast) is smooth newt :D during spring its just to find a small water hole where they breed, take a few eggs or larvaes and raise them! got two of them myself and they are really easy to care for ;)
 
There are no smooth newts in the US.
Zhinigami, i´m not entirely sure, but i believe the collection of native amphibians is not legal in your country. If i´m not mistaken, Lissotriton vulgaris is protected in all of its distribution except the british isles.
 
Well its to bad that i believe you are right and i was not aware of it when i first got them as larvae last summer and later i flound out But then it was already minus celsius so i have Kept them in My terraria.
 
If you haven't gotten your newts yet, consider cynops cyanurus(blue tailed fire belly newt)...colorful and fun to watch! Michael Shrom sells them.
 
i wish i saw this before i bought my newts, i would like to have one of those blue tailed fire belly newts
 
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