P labiatus (paddletail newt) questions.

[keithp]

If kept in an unfiltered 10 gallon using treated water only, kept at cool temps, and hiding space provided, is that ok so long as the water is changed when it starts to get dirty? Do they need filters to survive like fish do?

Can females get egg bound? Do they lay unfertilized eggs?

How do you sex a rescued newt that is still underweight and possibly not fully developed? (photo provided).

What is their lifespan? I'm reading 10 years but I dont get how cynops can live 25 and this is larger and only 10 years?

Do they need artificial light to prevent MBD? (metabolic bone disease).

Why does the newt randomly fan it's tail?

 

[Azhael]

It´s a stream specialized genus, so having a rather strong current is highly advisable. This will also increase the amount of dissolved oxygen which is important for these newts.
With some exceptions i don´t think the phrase "Do they need filters to survive like fish do" makes any sense. It´s adequate water conditions that are required, not necessarily a filter.

I suposse it´s not imposible for a female to become egg-bound but it´s hugely improbable. If a female produces eggs but can´t or won´t lay them, she just reabsorbs them. The same way, it´s not impossible for a female to lay duds, but considering how rare it is for a female to lay anything at all, i on´t think you´ll ever encounter that scenario.

It may not be possible to sex the animal until the secondary sexual characteristics are expressed again, although if it´s alone and it tail fans, chances are it will be male.

Their lifespan is hard to stimate because all Pachytriton are wild-caught. In ideal conditions i suposse one can expect them to live longer than 10 years.
Size is not necessarily a factor in lifespan, by the way. Many large things have short lives (ex: quolls) and many tiny ones can live for remarkably long times (ex: queen ants).

MBD is prevented with a good diet, rich in calcium. No UV light is required at all.

Tail fanning is usually either sexual or territorial behaviour. Or maybe your animal just misses having a current...

 

[keithp]

Here is a photo of the underside if it's a help.

Also read this off the caudata site about tail fanning. Tail fanning at all times of the year is one distinctive trait exhibited by both sexes, and this behavior is not always associated with mating. Males will fan wildly when trying to get a female’s attention, and both genders will moderately fan when approached by others, or when disturbed.

 

[keithp]

It´s a stream specialized genus, so having a rather strong current is highly advisable. This will also increase the amount of dissolved oxygen which is important for these newts.
With some exceptions i don´t think the phrase "Do they need filters to survive like fish do" makes any sense. It´s adequate water conditions that are required, not necessarily a filter.

I suposse it´s not imposible for a female to become egg-bound but it´s hugely improbable. If a female produces eggs but can´t or won´t lay them, she just reabsorbs them. The same way, it´s not impossible for a female to lay duds, but considering how rare it is for a female to lay anything at all, i on´t think you´ll ever encounter that scenario.

It may not be possible to sex the animal until the secondary sexual characteristics are expressed again, although if it´s alone and it tail fans, chances are it will be male.

Their lifespan is hard to stimate because all Pachytriton are wild-caught. In ideal conditions i suposse one can expect them to live longer than 10 years.
Size is not necessarily a factor in lifespan, by the way. Many large things have short lives (ex: quolls) and many tiny ones can live for remarkably long times (ex: queen ants).

MBD is prevented with a good diet, rich in calcium. No UV light is required at all.

Tail fanning is usually either sexual or territorial behaviour. Or maybe your animal just misses having a current...

Thank you for answering my questions. The most important question is can this newt live happily in an unfiltered tank? I cannot provide a current of any sort, so ill have to donate it to a pet store if it can't live here. I don't know if the pet store can properly house it either so it comes down to someone not housing properly.

 

[Azhael]

Can´t you even put a small powerhead? No filtration is required just a current.
If you can´t, i would encourage you to give the animal away to somebody who can house it properly, but definitely not to a pet-shop.

 

[keithp]

I already tried to find someone nobody wanted him, the only choice is a reptile store. I'm dropping it off today.