Question: Good First Salamander

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Kent

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I live in South Florida where the temperature indoor during the day is anywhere between 75 and 85. I can probably come up with some cooling methods, but to be safe, I would like to make sure I have a salamander or newt that can withstand warmer temperatures (like in the mid to upper 70's if possible). I would prefer a terrestrial or semi-aquatic species. Size is not too much of an issue. What would be the best species to get? Also, where would a good place be to buy newts or salamanders? At the moment it looks like my only option is online. I have not looked extensively, but I have not found any breeders in my area.
 
You'd be better off getting some tropical frogs, honestly. There aren't any salamanders that can deal with that sort of temperature consistently.
 
If I feasibly could keep the temperature around 65 or 70, what would be a good option? I will definitely get a tank and test out cooling methods before getting anything and if I cannot keep a steady temperature around there, I will not get any caudates (even though I desperately want some :(). If there are no salamanders that can take that temperature, then 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
 
Bare in mind that even if you could offer temps between 65-70ºF, most species will require a substantially cooler period during winter.
With those temps, though, Tylototriton verrucosus would do well, but they are mostly aquatic. Other Tylototritons i wouldn´t recommend as they are much harder to find CB, and the WC market is shameful...
 
Thank you very much! My dream salamander is a fire salamander but because of temperature I don't think that is very feasible. I'll look into Tylototriton verrucosus, thank you.
 
How would you recommend getting one? It won't be for a while until I test out tanks and cooling systems and such but I would like to know how to get any caudate. Online doesn't seem like a smart option because I can't see them before I purchase them and they have to go through the rigors of shipping.
 
I would wait for a breeder to post an ad. We have a great number of breeders who post here, and T. verrucosus come up fairly often. Most caudates breed in the spring, so you've got plenty of time to do your research and get your tank all set up!
 
Would a Triturus marmoratus be feasible? Are they terribly difficult to keep compared to other caudates?
 
They are easy caudates to keep but temps are an issue. They should ideally be kept under 20ºC and they will require a winter period of about 1-3 months under 10ºC.
 
So if I can figure out a reliable cooling method, that would be a good first caudate? These look like fascinating creatures! T. verrucosus and these both look great! Just wanted to broaden my options since breeders in Florida are quite scarce.
 
If you can guarantee adequate year-round temperatures there are plenty of species that are excellent options for beginners, T marmoratus and T.verrucosus are just two of those. Any Triturus is a great choice, really, as are Cynops and Hypselotriton species, Pleurodeles waltl (tolerant to high temps but still not a good idea to expose them to constant high temps), are superb choices too.
Personally i think P.waltl is pretty much the perfect beginner species and as i say they are among the hardiest species and the most tolerant to the higher spectrum of temps.

Let me insist that whatever you end up acquiring comes from a breeder. Be suspicious of any adult newts being sold, specially Triturus as there is a market of illegally caught animals being sold in expos and suchlike.
 
I think it's always much wiser to get captive-bred because they have been properly cared for and are accustomed to captive life, and wild-caught could be diseased, old, or under stress from being caught. I just can't seem to find any breeders anywhere in South Florida. Any tips on how to find one?
 
Hypselotriton...is that a taxonomical revision? I went through all of the species of caudates on caudata culture and didn't see that.
 
Ah, yes, Hypselotriton is the revised generic name for the chinese small-bodied "Cynops". They are still classified as Cynops in the CC articles, because it´s a rather provisional name as it may only apply to the "wolterstorfii group" and not to the "orphicus group". Regardless, we are using the name Hypselotriton for all chinese species to diferentiate and separate them from the japanese Cynops.

You should be able to find breeders that will ship to you in Florida from other parts of the country. Shipping, when done carefully is very safe, so don´t be afraid.
 
Muchas gracias! I appreciate it. I looked up the Hypselotriton and I like the revision, and it makes it easier to not confuse Chinese and Japanese species. I'm looking forward to my first caudate.
 
i would recommend the tiger salamander because they have a healthy diet and very hardy salamander, temps for them 65- 75 degrees.:happy:
 
Does a fire salamander sound feasible at temperatures between 60 and 70? Maybe a pair in a 15 gallon?
 
Fire salamanders can be a lot more touchy than other sals. I wouldn't recommend them for first time keepers.
 
In what ways? Picky eaters, picky on temperature? I've done a ton of research on them, and it seems like I could do it.
 
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