Fish illness transferable to newt?

[NecturusLindsay]

I have a firebelly newt in a tank with a few cherry barbs, and one of my barbs has recently developed little white spots on it after I introduced a new fish into the tank...is my newt in danger? Has anyone ever heard of an instance where something was passed from a fish to an amphibian? The manager of one of the few pet stores that I trust suggested medicating the whole aquarium, newt and all (he said it absolutely would not be detrimental to the newt)...but I have reservations about this.

 

[Jennewt]

Re: Fish illness tranferable to newt?

I'm glad you have reservations about medicating the newt! Some fish meds are harmful to amphibians.

There are diseases of fish that can be passed to amphibians (and to other fish). Quarantine of new animals is always a good idea.

The other issue here is that the best temperature range for the newt is not in the same range with the temp range for the fish.

One solution to both of these problems would be to move the newt to its own cold-water setup. Then you can medicate the fish tank effectively without worrying about harming the newt.

 

[NecturusLindsay]

Re: Fish illness tranferable to newt?

Sounds like a plan. Thank you!