Pair in a tank

[heather]

Hello, have many of you had success in keeping a pair (male/female) of Pachy's in a 20 gallon tank? A friend gave me some paddle tails about a week ago, and because I was not expecting them I was unprepared for them. I have housed the 4 of them in a 20 gallon and they were fine. But I guess they are getting more comfortable and aggression started up yesterday. I have 2 males and 2 females, do you guys think its likely that another 20 gallon with a pair per tank would work? They are all eating, though the males had to be force fed to begin with, but the sudden bowt of aggression made me nervous, what with the reputation these newts have for violence towards each other. Would a set up like this likely work, or is it more likely each newt is going to need its own tank? Sorry if this post seems to ramble, but any comments and advice are much appreciated. Thanks, Heather

 

[paris]

you sure about their gender? we just posted a pachytriton care sheet -leaf through it for ideas. do you know which sort of pachys they are?-cause if its labiatum it will be far too risky to put more than 1.1 in a tank -and thats IF the male and female get along.....

 

[heather]

Thanks for finally responding! I am not positive on the genders, but the two I believe to be female are shorter and more plump while the possible males are much longer and more thin, with the white tail spots. I wish I had a digital camera so you could confirm. After reading the new care sheet, I am now positive they are labiatus. So far not much aggression but I finally got paid and will get another tank and put 1.1 in there, and will continue to monitor closely, especially during feeding time. Again, thank you for responding and for pointing out the new care sheet - that will be most helpful!
I feel there has not been much aggression because they are still not quite back to healthy weights, but I realize their behaviour and tolerance for one another could change any day, and will get them separated ASAP
Heather