Rough Skinned Newts

[trisha84]

Hey all!
Was just wondering if anyone would have some good general info about rough skinned newts. I have 2 of them at the moment (unsure if male or female). I have had them for about 1 1/2 years now and they are at least 10 yrs old. Just wanting to know what size of tank they should be in and what type of plants I could put in the tank with them that would be safe. And also, pellet or live food.
I'm up in Northern Ont and no pet stores around my area have newts or know much about them.
If anyone could help, I would much appreciate it. Want to keep my newts happy and heatlhy.
Thanks.
Trisha

 

[CherryBlossom]

Hi. I hope this can be of any help to you?

Caudata Culture Species Entry - Taricha granulosa

 

[trisha84]

Yes, it was very helpful thank you. Looks like I have a male and a female, and will be needing a much bigger tank, as well as some live plants.

 

[Kaysie]

It's pretty difficult to discern males from females outside of breeding season. I've tried when I've seen groups in the pet shop. And try as I might, every method I try (tail length, skin texture, etc.) has led me astray. But during breeding season, the males definitely get a smooth, slimy skin texture.

Best of luck! They're an awesome species to keep. I adored them when I had them.

 

[trisha84]

I could definitely be wrong about having a male and a female. They could very well be the same sex. They get along really well, but sometimes one is very aggressive towards the other. Maybe because its a bit larger? I'm not sure. They are very fun to have and I enjoy watching them explore their habitat when I introduce something new.

 

[CherryBlossom]

well I had homed my 2 paddletail newts (both males) together when I first housed them. The larger of the 2 became aggressive and ended up snapping at the smaller constantly. I had to rehouse them both in seperate tanks as it was certain the larger would not stop and obviously I didnt want the smaller being hurt or inevitably killed.

Not sure if that applies to yours though as you have had them together for a yr and a half... have there always been snapping problems?

xxxxxxxx

 

[trisha84]

The have actually been together for almost 11 yrs now. I guess you could say I adopted them from the previous owners who lost interest in them. It's only been recently that I have seen the aggression. It seems to be only when I feed them, but there is always enough for the both of them, and they rarely eat what I give them anyway. Other then that they get along well and I would hate to have to separate them since they have been together for so long.

 

[CherryBlossom]

aaah I apologise I must have mis-read you I thought you said 1 and half yrs! So sorry! xxx

 

[trisha84]

I took them from poor living conditions about a year and a half ago. The previous owners had them for about 9 yrs or so, so i figure they are both around 11. I'm not sure how long they actually live for. They seem to be getting along fine now.