Good Display Species?

[jasper408]

I have a 29 gallon tank made available now, so I was planning on creating a nice display tank, fully planted with a sand substrate.

I was thinking of something along the lines of: Cynops ensicauda popei feeding - YouTube Where the species is Cynops ensicauda popei, and it is a little colony.

However, the popei I have seem to be a little hydrophobic compared to the ones in the video and definitely the various other species I have kept. Every once in a while, the adults will struggle to reach some sort of land, where they will stay for a period of time before returning to water.

Some species I had in mind were H. chenggongensis/cyanurus, T. verrucosus, and C. pyrrhogaster, but all are not as flashy as popei. Any suggestions? They must be fully aquatic and comfortable between 60-72. Thanks!

 

[otolith]

I'd go with either Lissotriton vulgaris or T. dobrogicus but only because I keep both and seem to spend the most time in front of their tanks. Both would do very well within that temperature range. Hypselotriton chenggongensis/cyanurus would be my first choice on your list, they have a lot of personality and do well in groups.

 

[jasper408]

I'd go with either Lissotriton vulgaris or T. dobrogicus but only because I keep both and seem to spend the most time in front of their tanks. Both would do very well within that temperature range. Hypselotriton chenggongensis/cyanurus would be my first choice on your list, they have a lot of personality and do well in groups.

I haven't had the pleasure of owning vulgaris, but I have been able to keep dobrogicus. I did enjoy them very much overall, but their aggressive feeding habits scared me. Limbs were seemingly targeted, and bites were common in the feeding frenzy. I had to resort to feeding each one individually, which would not be ideal in a group situation. They were fun to watch though, and are definitely not eliminated altogether!

 

[jane1187]

I think you are missing out a great deal with C/H. orientalis! I know they're common as mud, but they're peaceful, small, active, and brightly coloured (more so I think than their japanese cousins). Still my favourites after keeping a wide variety of species. I think their contant activity, which is I assume what you're after, will do your display tank justice. They rarely leave the water too, another bonus! Don't overlook them by any means!

 

[Mark]

If ever I had space for a big aquatic planted display tank I'd fill it with Japanese fire bellies. They're so excitable. It would be like a volcano of orange erupting every time you went near it. Each year I raise a few just in case that day arrives...

 

[mr cyclone]

Or alpine newts and marbled newts
Both under rated

 

[jasper408]

I think you are missing out a great deal with C/H. orientalis! I know they're common as mud, but they're peaceful, small, active, and brightly coloured (more so I think than their japanese cousins). Still my favourites after keeping a wide variety of species. I think their contant activity, which is I assume what you're after, will do your display tank justice. They rarely leave the water too, another bonus! Don't overlook them by any means!

That does sound appealing; especially since they're so small- I can fit more into a tank and there will be more to look at. I, however, have to account for temperature. Orientalis is the least heat tolerant of all the C/H.

If ever I had space for a big aquatic planted display tank I'd fill it with Japanese fire bellies. They're so excitable. It would be like a volcano of orange erupting every time you went near it. Each year I raise a few just in case that day arrives...

That's definitely ideal, and they seem like a great species. I just need Michael to get back to me favorably with availability!

 

[Niels D]

I voted for C.e.popei, because of their nice colours, especially the green patterns I've witnessed with South Okinawa animals. I've made my first display tank for H.orientalis though.

 

[jasper408]

I ultimately decided to go with C. pyrrhogaster! These guys are 10 times more active than my C.e. popei and are not ripping out my plants like P. waltl. I got five, thanks to Michael, but it looks like I should have gotten more!

Attached is a photo of the setup. Some of the plants have to grow out a bit more, but I'm liking the overall result.

 

[Mark]

Good choice! Yes, definately get more, or wait for them to breed and slowly build your group up to majestic proportions.

 

[jasper408]

Good choice! Yes, definately get more, or wait for them to breed and slowly build your group up to majestic proportions.

I am definitely tempted to buy more, but my rational side is asking me to stop, and just wait!

The more time I spend with them, the more I like them. They love their food and love roaming their tank. Easily my favorite species so far.

 

[michael]

Keep a close eye on them. You should see breeding behavior soon. My males are wiggling and curling their tails quite a bit.

 

[jasper408]

I definitely hope so! I'm not seeing a breeding dress yet. Have you noticed the hind leg on the female during courtship?

 

[michael]

I have not noticed the hind leg of the female. So far all I have seen is tail curling in the male.

 

[Gryone]

I believe that P. Waltl is an active yet adorable display species.

 

[jasper408]

I agree. I just moved the pyrrhogaster to a better fitting 10 gallon, and put a pair of waltl into the 29 gallon. They are a nice replacement that love eating and moving about.

 

[EasternNewtDude]

I chose other, which is N. verdiciens

 

[redtxn]

I also selected other.... I'm partial to N. verdiciens as well. I'm always searching for more red efts to purchase.