Is this aggression?

[Lilib]

Hey all. I have a group of 4 alpine newts in a 20 long. 3 of them are about the same size and one if them is slightly larger. I was watching them eat their bloodworms and realized the largest one had the head of the smaller in its mouth. I saw it do it a few times to the others. I've only seen this happen at feeding time. Should I be concerned or doing something to stop this? Could biting the heads of the others damage their eyes?

 

[Autistic Catholic]

I'm not a newt expert. But apparently there's a lot of different newts that are considered an alpine newt. The Bosnian alpine newt does express cannibalistic tendencies apparently.
Marc Staniszewski's Alpine Newt Care Sheet

Do you know the exact scientific classification of your alpines?

 

[Lilib]

I'm not a newt expert. But apparently there's a lot of different newts that are considered an alpine newt. The Bosnian alpine newt does express cannibalistic tendencies apparently.
Marc Staniszewski's Alpine Newt Care Sheet

Do you know the exact scientific classification of your alpines?

Thanks for sharing. These are the subspecies apuanus. I've observed the smaller ones bite the head of the larger one too. It seems like this is only happening during feeding and that they are just being opportunistic and biting at whatever will fit in their mouths. I'll keep an eye on them but I feel like they will be okay.