Breeding newts

[kara]

I have become quite confident in my "salamander keeping" abilities...I am quite happy with the results of my pets. I rescued a Taricha G. and a paddletail last year, who have bulked up considerably, and are much more appropriately taken care of. Also I have recently acquired a tiger salamander, getting fat, and loving his deep substrate and mistings. I have had no problems, illnesses or stressed animals, *knock on wood*(with thanks to the help and concern of people here, on the site and some hard work and monitoring on my part!)
I will also be receiving two spotted salamanders on the first of the month. It is more than a hobby to me- I believe I have found one of my passions!
I am starting to become interested in breeding some caudates. I think I would like to start with an aquatic species, and am curious as to what specie is good for a beginner to try with.
I realize it takes a lot of effort, and time, and am aware of how many offspring may hatch and thrive, providing conditions are pristine...I have found a local business that can supply adequate food items larva would need, and I am very interesting to start researching a new species I can try with. Any suggestions? I was thinking about a pair of axolotls, I have been admiring photos and threads for a while now. I am very familiar with their tank, food and water requirements. (I frequently read a lot of axolotl.org)
Would love to hear from people who have had success with breeding, and stories of how it all started.

 

[jim]

P Waltl were the first I bred succesfully. They are easy to keep and breed. I have a 55 gallon about two thirds full, every so often I fill the other third up with cold water and they start breeding immediately.

 

[kara]

I will research P Waltl.
Every time you fill the tank with cold water they begin breeding? I would love to hear more, their behaviour, etc. I have been told tiritus(I may have spelled that wrong) i sa good beginner species as well.

 

[jim]

Twice so far this year they have laid eggs. I have heard they breed in spring and again in summer but I feed them ALOT so we'll see what happens.

 

[kara]

thanks a lot Jim!

 

[dawn]

From reading this forum, it seems to me the most commonly bred species in the US are the P. waltls, M. alpestris, and T.marmoratus.

And if I'm wrong, that'll get some discussion going! If you have a question, and no one's answering, post some disinformation, and then everyone will answer!

 

[kara]

you are so right Dawn!
Axolotl's seem to be a good species as well!!

 

[joseph]

Cynops, triturus, etc. would be the best bets. Basically, what you see the most CB of.

Their currently seems to be a lot of alpestris and marms running around lately. karelinii are prolific, fast maturers, not to mention all around great newts...they would be good candidates for a first breeding along with waltls IMO. alpestris with their current upswing in numbers and also the fact that they mature quickly may be a viable choice also. I'm assuming you'd like to get started as fast as possible and thus for now you might not want to deal with juveniles that may not start breeding until several years have past.

 

[jacob]

I think if you want simple to breed species, then axolotls and ribbed newts are the way to go. I've bred both many times without any trouble.

 

[kara]

I beleive I am going to pursue locating a pair of axolotls in the near future. If anone knows where I can obtain them near Windsor, Ontario, Canada, let me know!!