Lethargic Warty Newt

[kat25]

I got my big boy almost a year ago at a pet store knowing nothing about newts along with another. Unfortunatly I lost one, but my boy I have now has since thrived, and doubled in girth. He has a ten gallon to himself (he's getting a 20 gallon long and maybe a girlfriend when I move this summer...) I keep his tank around 76, and within the last month he has even developed a blue breeding stripe on his tail! He's normally quite the happy boy and normally comes out of his caves to any noises (hoping for food of course) I feed him mostly bloodworms, waxworms and mealworms since I can't stomach cutting up earthworms. But lately he's been sitting up on his dock and not even looking up when I scratch on the screen top he just lays there and does nothing, but if I put him in the water he will swim and stuff and he even ate some bloodworms today (in a lazy manner) I checked him for cuts, scrapes, bloatedness and even looked at his eyes and nose and they all look fine. He just sits on his little dock. I've had a slow drip on him/the dock so he doesn't dehydrate himself. Any ideas on what's wrong or what I should do to help him?

 

[jasper408]

Is this Paramesotriton chinensis? Becoming terrestrial is one indicator of poor water quality, be it ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, temperature, etc. I see a recommended temperature of 68 – 72 for this species, and that may very well be the reason why you are having problems.

However, I am a little hesitant in saying this is most probably the case, due to the fact that you have had him for a year already in these conditions. Another member’s insight would be great.

 

[Jennewt]

I agree - try to get the tank temperature cooler and check the water quality. Beyond that, I can't think of any obvious advice. You seem to be doing the right things by trying to get him to eat and not dehydrate.

 

[firedreams]

If your newt recently developed a tail stripe, its likely that he has entered into breeding season. I have found that my P. Chinensis enter into their breeding season around this point in the year, so this would be consistent. During breeding season I have noticed that my male will leave the water for several hours at a time, and often stops eating for several weeks. Perhaps this is what is happening with your newt.

Re: temperature, I agree with the other responses. 76 is on the warm side for P. Chinensis. I keep mine between 66 and 69 F.

 

[kat25]

He still has his breeding stripe, so maybe that's the case. I believe he is P. Chinensis... The water is fine, I took ammonia and pH today. Am reads at 0ppm and the pH is around 7.7/8 which is normal (tap comes out high here that's is as low as I've been able to naturally get it) but I'm still going to do some extra water changes and maybe try to slow drip some "newt ice" into his tank... he seems to be most active at 72-74 degrees, but the temp in my room has been a little high since I didn't have a fan for a couple weeks and I had to take the fan off his cage since he apparently has taken to his terrestrial state... thanks for the input so far guys!

Edit: I added a few photos of him, I took him out for a bit today just to do another physical check over to make sure none of his warts were getting bigger or weird (as in to make sure they weren't anything else but his lumpy self) and decided to snap a few to put up here... as you can see he's a big boy... 5.5 almost 6 inches. He's normally a bit plumper but he's not eating too much lately with all this weirdness... also, these camera phone pictures do not do justice for the ice blue/lilac breeding stripe he's displaying.

 

[firedreams]

Your water readings sound fine. My guess is that his altered behaviour is due to breeding season. From the pictures, I would certainly identify him as a P. Chinensis male. From my own experience, I would say that it is normal for your male to undergo a period of terrestrial life / decreased feeding during his breeding season. My advice would be to continue offering food and to continue taking water readings to make sure that his habitat is optimal. Otherwise, all you can do is wait for him to pass out of breeding season - which may take upwards of 2 months.

 

[kat25]

Good to know this is normal! I almost never see him on his dock, so it was alarming. I take readings every week anyway considering i have a fish tank as well. I love his breeding stripe it's so gorgeous! Good to know he's happy and normal. Thanks everyone.