Question: Setup for Morphing I.alpestris apuanus

[obrowell]

My little ones are morphing (one already has) and I'm wondering what is the best setup for them, because the one that has morphed seems to want to hang about on top of the plants/weeds above the water. Having read the care sheet on Caudata I know this subspecies favours a more aquatic setup, but I'm wondering what this actually looks like for them at this stage? Do I still need land areas, or are clumps of plants that break the surface etc sufficient? Thanks in advance!

 

[Azhael]

I know some people raise them fully aquatic, and some people give them a terrestrial period after morphing just until they get strong enough.
I would supply them with the possibility of going terrestrial if so they choose. If any of them appears to be land bound and rejects the water entirely, you might want to choose a more terrestrial set-up or an entirely terrestrial one ( i suggest a small tupperware with moist paper towels).
I suposse, though, if the water is heavily planted, they might lead a semi-aquatic life without problems.

I got mine when they were already very well started and they went aquatic for me right away (never looked back), so i have no experience with them right after metamorphosis, sorry.

 

[Otterwoman]

I also did what Azhael suggested: My alpestris tank is heavily planted/ many decorations and places to 'haul out,' and mine never had a terrestrial phase. In fact, some of my animals born two years ago still have their gills!

 

[Mark]

As people have said they don't require a terrestrial phase. I just give mine a small piece of floating cork to haul out on.

Are these from the eggs I sent you? I didn't hear from you to say they'd arrived.