Just got a new Paddletail Newt!

[aaustin15]

I don't know what kind he is though): i didn't realize there were so many varieties. if you know what he is, please tell me!


also, i just got him today and was planning on getting an axolotl, but i fell in love with the little newt. how often should i feed him?

thanks! <3

 

[Bellabelloo]

Here is a link with lots of information for you
Caudata Culture Species Entry - Pachytriton - Paddletail

 

[AngieD]

He looks just like mine, so the likehood is you will be told p. granulosus.

Just a couple of points I'd like to drop in - try raising the water level to at least twice what it currently is - the little guy will love the extra room, and I'd advise to get rid of the gravel unless you remove him from the tank to feed him; they tend to 'hoover' feed, and he would be able to eat some of the smaller pieces of gravel, which could cause major problems.

He looks healthy

I give mine 2-3 small worms or 1 big worm every week

 

[Azhael]

Given the slender build and the apparently smallish size, yes, i think Pachytriton granulosus is most likely the correct identification.
I strongly second the recommendation to increase the water volume. Take advantage of as much volume as possible. The minimum volume of water should be 40l (10 gallons), but the more, the better. Also, definitely get rid of the gravel, it´s an unnecessary risk. You can go bare bottom or use fine sand. I would recommend using large river rocks to create crevices and hides. A strong current running through the rocks is ideal.
The wood will release tannins, and although this may not necessarily be a problem (specially with regular water changes), it might not be a good idea to allow tannins to accumulate, as these newts come from cold mountain streams where organic content in the water is minimal.

Your new animal is very likely to be terribly stressed, particularly if the tank hadn´t been cycled before hand. As an import, it has been subjected to really bad conditions both during the importation and, in all likelihood, at the shop too. Give it some time to adjust. Offer optimal conditions, minimize stress and feed it well and hopefully there will be no trouble.

 

[AngieD]

If you can get hold of some Elodea plants, I would reccommend putting some in the tank - they will hugely help with the water quality and increase oxygen levels.
My 2 spend most of their time in the natural plants, and although the plants occasionally get a bit battered about, it is well worth having them in there.

By the way, you don't really need a land area for a single paddletail, the only time one would really leave the water is if it's being bullied.

 

[aaustin15]

thank you everyone! ill take out the gravel and raise the water now

 

[aaustin15]

ill also see about finding some elodea!

 

[AngieD]

Just a quick question - do you have a secure lid on that tank? Mine have been observed climbing up glass in the past

 

[aaustin15]

Yes, I have one of those reptile lids on it

 

[FrogEyes]

Yes, most likely P.granulosus, but more or less impossible to say from the pictures. I would say not P.moi, P.inexpectatus, or P.archospotus.

The water depth is fine, but current and larger rocks would be a good idea. Most species live in shallow, rocky shoreline areas, or in seepages where there is barely any water, just trickling through beneath rocks and mosses.

 

[aaustin15]

Yes, most likely P.granulosus, but more or less impossible to say from the pictures. I would say not P.moi, P.inexpectatus, or P.archospotus.

The water depth is fine, but current and larger rocks would be a good idea. Most species live in shallow, rocky shoreline areas, or in seepages where there is barely any water, just trickling through beneath rocks and mosses.

how do i create more current? i have a canister filter submerged with the flow turned as high as it can, but i still don't think its that much. then again, it might be bough for a newt. idk.

 

[aaustin15]

also i left the gravel in there so i could put live plants in there, but i got a separate container to feed her in. in addition i took out the drift wood cause it was starting to make the water yellowy and instead got a little fake rock/roots thing for her to hide in.

 

[Azhael]

Moving the animal out to be fed will only cause stress. These animals should never be handled or disturbed unless absolutely indispensable. The gravel can still be ingested even if you feed separately, the risk is smaller, but it´s there.
You should provide more than one hiding spot. This are territorial animals that like to choose their "ideal" hiding place.
You can have plants just floating around, but sand will also work. Additionally you can attach some plants to ornaments, rocks, etc.

 

[aaustin15]

these forum sites are so confusing. everyone has a different opinion.

 

[aaustin15]

but thanks for everyone's input.

 

[Azhael]

Well, there´s tones of very bad advice around the internet. What points have you found to be conflictive?
The maintenance of these newts is pretty straight forward once you realise what their natural habitat is: mountain streams.
The essentials are cool water, a strong current, hiding places and good oxygenation.

 

[aaustin15]

thats my new tank set up