Idntification of paramesotriton newts

[ajfr0ggy]

hi,
here are pics of my 5 paramesotriton newts, http://www.livefood.co.uk/album/wartynewts2.jpg

http://www.livefood.co.uk/album/wartynewts3.jpg

http://www.livefood.co.uk/album/wartynewts1.jpg

I think they are Paramesotriton guangxiensis, but i just want to make sure as there isnt many pics of these that i can find

thanks, ajfr0ggy

 

[cloth]

Hi AJ,
still look like caudopunctatus to me

 

[ajfr0ggy]

the reason why i dont think that they are caudopunctatus is that none of mine have those markings on the tail and all the pics of caudopunctatus have a differnt belly to mine http://www.livefood.co.uk/album/wartynewts4.jpg

ajfr0ggy

 

[ajfr0ggy]

Now to confuse myself even more i found this topic http://www.caudata.org/forum/messages/8/694.html?1037351783

well, my newts are more prickly than warty, they dont have clear ridges like honkongensis, some of them have an unclear terracotter dorsal stripe, and they range in size from 13cm to 16cm.

cloth, do you have any pics of your warty newt

ajfr0ggy

 

[cloth]

I'm sorry I dont at the moment

 

[ajfr0ggy]

Ok, it doesnt seem that i will easily identify them, but i still would like some advise on breding them.
Firsly, i haevnt actually bren any newts yet, so the only experience i have is with watching common newt(aka smooth newt) larvae in my pond.
so far, i have seen some breeding activity. I have at least 2 males and at least 2 females (1 im unsure.) the males have got a gryish blue shhen on the tail, aswell as a slightly longer and slightly taller. I frequently see my large female 'hugging' the canadian pond weed with her back legs, but ive seen no eggs. i think about a week ago i saw something like tail fanning but i havent seen it since.
how many eggs do they lay and what is the care like, links sites about breeding and rearing them would be appreciated.

thanks

AJfr0ggy

 

[nate]

Hi Aj, I agree with your guess of P. guangxiensis. However, the taxonomy of Paramesotritons is still wide open, so it's only a guess.

The methods for how to breed them are still wide open to debate as well. Here in the states, people who have bred them essentially keep them just like a Cynops newt but with a bit more current. As long as the water quality remains clean and you cycle their temps, they should breed for you.

 

[chris]

10 How come yours et on so well. My male is so aggressive he will not tolerate any other newt oin his tank?
2)Mine spend more time hiding. Is tis normal?
3)Would you want to buy a different (not the aggressive one) P.Fuzhongensis/guangxiensis from me. The other male kicked him out and I have nowhere for him to live except a far too small plastic tank? I would also trade for a femal fuzhong.Iam in s. England.
Chris

 

[nate]

That's the problem with Paramesotriton, they are territorial and aggressive...some species more than others, and some individuals more than others. P. chinensis seem to get along best, but there can still be squabbles.

It is normal for some species to be very shy and hide. I've found that hongkongensis and "guangxiensis" are very shy, but chinensis and caudopunctatus can be very bold.

I no longer keep Paramesotritons (mainly due to size and aggression) so I'm not interested in your male, sorry.

 

[paris]

one help hint here, small cut lengths (about6-8 inches) of clean pvc pipe-several sections in the tank can help stave off agression-if they cant be seen they usually wont go out looking to pick a fight. i use this with my wartys and paddletails.

 

[ajfr0ggy]

nime arent very aggressive at all, but nore are they shy, i often hand feed them on small earthworms on weekends and they all come out to have a look, and the only aggression ive seen is just once ones eaten, the other one sometimes tries to eat that one but i think thats due to smell.
Does any one have any pics of guangxiensis as the ones i found on google are very limeted
And the other froggy, sorry, i dont have any room either as the only areas i can even think about expanding are in my herp room which gets very warm in the summer, and in a sheltered area outside wich only just hovers above freezing in cold winter nights, and im in the east midlands and i cant travel

thanks

ajfr0ggy

 

[chris]

I have found a second hand tank in my local 'friday-ad'. It's a 3footer with everything included for only £30, so I can now kepp my Paramesotritons together and perhaps get more.
Paris, would you be interested in selling/swapping a P.labiatus femmale to me. I'm in S. England
Thanks for the info evryone
Chris (froggy)