Constant amplexus dangerous to females?

[jennifer]

I have a tank with eastern newts (Notophthalmus v. dorsalis), 3 males, 2 females. Lately, the males have come into breeding condition. Almost every time I look in the tank I see at least one of the females being clasped around the neck. I know this is normal, but I'm worried about the stress to the females from being clasped all the time. One of the two is an old newt, I would hate to see her come to harm. The females won't come out to eat, and lately are refusing hand-feeding too. They seem to be trying hard to avoid the overzealous males.

 

[yago]

Euproctus species are even less romantic. The males breeding amplexus is strongly constricting and they may remain for several hours and even days like that. Nobody has ever reported a death of a female during amplexus. I reckon that they must be genetically prepared for that and should be the same with n.v.dorsalis. I only have experience with n.viridiscens viridiscens and I never had a problem. Though I won’t recommend mixing those species with other species during their breeding season. I won’t worry too much but if you see the females stressed you could put a partition in the setup for several hours a day. This is a better option than removing them in another setup which may stress them more and you won’t get the fascinating elfts.
Best wishes
P.S.- Jennifer could you send me the picture that you have posted in caudata central of your breeding t.karelinii? The pic is very small and I can not see it properly. It seems that your Karelinii's crest is quite uniform which is very different from mines. You have one pic of one of my males in the photo gallery (I finally got them). I am just curious.
Please don't hesitate to contact me.
Yago

 

[jennifer]

Thanks, Yago. I think the newts have also given me an answer to my own question. The elderly female has developed a sore on the back of the neck. I have moved her out for now. The other female seems OK and the males don't seem to be bothering her as much. I may need to try a divider as you suggest.

 

[jennifer]

Regarding the photo of T. karlinii on Caudate Central, I think the male's fin is laying away from the camera, so it looks smooth. Really, the crest is quite toothy. I will send you some other pics of them!