Salamander and Newt Species

[ChoChoTrain20]

Hi, I am looking for a amphibian species to care for. I have had chinese fire-belly newts for almost 3 years and I'm looking to get another species. I am considering crocodile newts, fire salamanders, marbled salamanders, eastern newts, or rough-skinned newts. Anyone know that ups and downs of each of these species. Thanks.

 

[merk199]

Check out Caudata culture for caresheets

Caudata Culture Species Database - Salamandridae

If I was going for terrestrial species I would look at the Salamandra family. They are very good looking, most are relatively easier to keep. Downside is the supply is very limited, and they can be very costly. If going for one in this family you need to be ready to jump at any want ads qquickly.

Tylototriton shanjing is another more readily available mostly terrestrial species. Relatively easy to feed/keep. Shanjing supply seems to be somewhat limited but they pop up more readily than the Salamandra family.

Tylototriton verrucosus is a species I would keep if I was looking at a mostly aquatic species. They can be kept aquatic year round. Relatively easy to feed. I know of at least one person selling these right now, and may know of a second.

Read all the care sheets to give yourself more info.

Good luck!
http://www.caudata.org/cc/species/Tylototriton/T_shanjing.shtml

 

[Azhael]

There are a few species that you can easily find from breeders on this forum. I strongly recommend that you acquire captive bred animals, it will make a big difference to you, and well....it will also help the wild populations.
Although, it´s not on your list..have you considered Pleurodeles waltl??? They are a fantastic beginner species, extremely easy to care for, and readily available.

If you decide to get S.salamandra, then i doubly recommend buying CB animals. Wild caught S.salamandra often adapt very badly, plus they are illegally poached from our countries...

 

[ChoChoTrain20]

Ya i know i would never take a salamander out of the wild. Are marbled newts good pets?

 

[Azhael]

They make great captives if you do things right. There are many people who keep and breed this species and have excelent results. When things go right, they are one of the best species, hands-down.

You can find LOTS of information about Triturus marmoratus here in the forum, they are very common, particularly here in europe, so many people have shared their experience.