Dead Mature Marbled Newt - What could have happened?

[frogenjoyer]

Hello everyone,

I am deeply saddened that one of my beloved marbled newts who have brought me so much joy over the last couple years has died, and I'm not sure what could have possibly happened and I'm really blaming myself for it. I have three in a 36 gallon vivarium with endless places to hide and burrow and do everything they like to do. They were fine and walking around just two days ago, yesterday I noticed they spent most of the day submerged under water and thought little of it, and today I noticed they had not moved and that one of their legs was completely missing and replaced with some yellowish growth. I can attach a photo if necessary, but don't want to as it's deeply upsetting. Is it possible one of the other newts bit off his leg and it was too much to survive? I know newts can regenerate limbs, so that's what I am confused about. He was a bit smaller than the other two but they never exhibited aggressive behavior toward one another, they loved each other and often spent time together. I don't know what could have happened but I'm completely devastated. Any potential answers would help give me some peace of mind.

- Matt

 

[Autistic Catholic]

It sounds like his leg was bitten off and he developed an infection. Sorry for your loss.

 

[frogenjoyer]

It sounds like his leg was bitten off and he developed an infection. Sorry for your loss.

It seems so, and thank you. It was just odd because I had never seen any aggressive behavior among the three of them. They usually spent time lounging and laying together when they had an endless number of hides and places to go. I can't help but feel like if i had fed them a day sooner I could've prevented this. I had noticed this one was looking skinnier and smaller than normal lately, so I think he may have been sick too. Regardless i'm heartbroken and will miss seeing his face every day. I went on a hike and found a beautiful, quiet stream nearby to bury him at today. Thank you for your reply.

-Matt