Breeding T. dobrogicus

[andrew]

Hi, i have a male and a female t. dobrogicus and they are both in breeding mode. The male has a big crest and has been crest waving and tail fanning and all that stuff. I have read from some sites that they need a clear bottom of the tank to release the spermatophore and for the female to pick it up. Now does this mean there should be no substrate on the bottom and just cleared glass or does this mean just a visible solid base? Right now the base is all penny sized pebbles from a pet store. If anyone can give me advise from their experiences i would be very thankful. And also some advise on raising the larvae would be apreciated.
Thank You,
Andrew

 

[ralf]

Andrew,
a sand or gravel bottom or at least an area without any rooted plants is okay and sufficient for spermatophore deposition. From my own experience, breeding mood in Triturus dobrogicus might be improved by cooler temperatures during winter as well as a separation of the sexes till the end of winter respectively spring. The eggs are almost white inside (don't let this fool you) and the hatching larvae are quite easy to care for as they are voracious eaters. Check out the guidelines for raising newts on Caudata Culture.
Unlike other species of large Triturus these are highly aquatic and maybe raised after metamorphosis without a clear terrestrial phase. A setup with shallow water, some floats and floating plants will do. Juveniles grow quite fast and may reach sexual maturity after about a year, depending on temperatures and feeding.

 

[andrew]

Alright thanks, that sounds easy enough. Ill try to post some pictures of them and hopefully of some of the juvies when they come.
Thanks
Andrew