Converting Juvenile C. orientalis to terrestrial?

[micstarz]

Hi, my juvenile C. orientalis went through metamorphosis around a month ago. I am keeping them aquatic, but I notice they are resting on the floating driftwood more and more. Should I slowly change their setup to a terrestrial one? If so, how?

(They are both eating blackworms and pellets healthily.)

 

[jewett]

I have kept my juvenile Co's terrestrial once they morphed, and I did not transition them slowly - once they morphed they were placed in a plastic shoe box with damp unbleached paper towels, some water dishes with black worms, and hiding spots in the form of upside down terra cotta pots and pothos stems. I had 11 morph out this past spring and they all seem to be doing well in this set up. I would recommend placing yours in a terrestrial set up if they seem hydrophobic as they may become tressed and "fail to thrive" in a water set up. Also, if they really dislike or are reluctant to go in the water they may stop eating the aquatic food (ie black worms) well.

 

[Jennewt]

If their skin looks dry-ish and granular, it's safe to move them to a terrarium abruptly. If their skin looks very wet, it could be a problem to move them abruptly (I've managed to kill a few morphs this way). Make their land area larger, and provide some cover (plants, etc), and have part of the land be fairly dry. Their skin will become dry-adapted, if it isn't already.

But now I'm thinking... if they are eating blackworms and pellets, why move them? They will grow faster if they stay aquatic.

 

[micstarz]

Well they have some little whitish "pores" on their body...but that's the only clue that's present out of the things suggested

Growth rate isn't really an issue for me...as long as their basic natural living environments are replicated I am happy.

 

[Azhael]

The withish pores are a sign that they are fully aquatic right now....moving them abruptly to a terrestrial set-up could be dangerous...but giving them the option and let them choose is pretty safe.

 

[AflackMatt]

I am having this same problem as we speak. Im going to move mine later. He isnt even two inches long, and his tail isnt longer than his body yet. He doesnt like worms it seems, so Im gonna try fruit flies or pin heads. However, he was in the water earlier, and he was in the water when I bought him, so maybe its a aggresion/intimidation issue? Because the other two inhabitants of my tank or noticeably larger and will happily accept worms and will swim.