CFB's Behavior With Respect to Water

[TLaw]

I have two cynops orientalis', one male that I've had for 6 months and one female that I've had for 4 months. When I first got them, the male would spend a lot of his time, maybe 70% in the water, while the female would rarely go in, maybe 5-10% of her time, if not not less, sometimes not even eating.

But for the last month or so their behavior has changed somewhat. Now the male pretty much never goes into the water, except to eat, and even then with only some goading from me (pushing him in), while the female is spending almost 100% of her time in the water. I don't think I've seen her on land, whether the in the middle of the day, the early morning or late late at night at all in at least 3 weeks.

What should I make of this sudden reversal in behavior in my newts?

 

[xMIDNIGHTx]

When I first got my C. orientalis it would show the same characteristics as yours and did it for several months. Later and for no apparent reason it refused to go into the water. After about a month and a half of refusing water it later returned to spending most the its time in the water.

When newts leave the water it can be for a couple of things. High water temperatures, bad water quaility, and stress. But for C.orientalis and some other newts, leaving the water for periods of time is completely normal. As long as it is not stress (which your female seems to be fine) related and he is eating good, make sure the cover on the tank is tight and enjoy your new explorer!

Mitch